Twitter is testing a new DM button with some iOS users that will allow them to DM a Tweet author without leaving the timeline.
Twitter is testing a new feature with some of its users on iOS that permits them to send a private message to the author of a Tweet without leaving the timeline and going on their profile first.
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To do so, the platform is testing the addition of an optional Direct Message (DM) button right on tweets. On the Tweet announcing the test, the platform’s official support account states that:
“For when you want to reply directly to a Tweet’s author, we’re making it easier to DM them from your timeline to start a conversation. Now testing a DM icon on Tweets with some of you on iOS.”
For when you want to reply directly to a Tweet's author, we're making it easier to DM them from your timeline to start a conversation.
Now testing a DM icon on Tweets with some of you on iOS.
— Support (@Support) February 3, 2022
The new feature could be very welcome by busy professionals networking on the platform, for example, who have a limited time to dedicate to social media as it will allow them to continue scrolling through the news feed instead of having it refreshed after going on the tweet author’s profile page to send the message.
It is a smart way to streamline the networking process on Twitter, and one that does not have to necessarily be invasive for tweet authors as they can turn off the feature from within their account settings.
Charlotte Catania, a spokesperson for Twitter, told The Verge that “this particular experiment is not changing the current settings of anyone’s DMs. We’re always exploring ways to make DMs more accessible and valuable for people on Twitter, and they will always remain in control: anyone has the ability to close their DMs in their settings.”
To users concerned that the new feature may open the door to harassment and safety issues, the account responded: “We understand the concern. Our goal here is to make it easier to engage with a Tweet – sometimes replying publicly can be daunting. If you’re getting unwanted DMs, you can limit who can DM you in settings, block an account, or report a message if you think it breaks our rules.”
Twitter is currently testing the feature with a select group of users, and it has not provided any details about a potential future rollout to all.