Threads, the social platform developed by Meta, is undergoing a significant transformation with two major updates: the introduction of direct messaging and a new feature designed to bring attention to top conversations, called the Threads highlighter.
These updates come at a pivotal moment as the app enters its third year and continues to expand its user base.
Starting today, Threads users will be able to send direct messages (DMs) to one another. Previously, the platform only allowed public conversations, but now, private messaging will allow users to engage more personally, outside of public posts. This new communication feature will enable easier connections between users who want to converse in private.
To start, the messaging feature will be available to mutual followers of at least 18 years old, on either Threads or Instagram. Meta has placed this age restriction to enhance safety and give users better control over who can message them. Meta also hinted at future improvements, including message controls, group chats, and inbox filters, which would offer users more management options for their conversations.
In addition to DMs, Threads is launching the ‘Threads highlighter,’ a tool that emphasizes posts related to trending topics or meaningful discussions. These highlighted posts will appear in key areas like the explore tab, allowing users to discover relevant content. The goal is to shine a spotlight on insightful conversations and the most engaging posts on the platform.
Meta has revealed that a significant portion of daily Threads users follow different accounts than they do on Instagram, which points to Threads growing its own unique audience, separate from its parent app. These updates are aimed at supporting that growth, making the platform more interactive, and fostering diverse forms of communication.
While these changes may seem minor at first glance, they hold potential to alter how users engage with Threads. The addition of private messaging and the highlighter feature both aim to refine the app’s core functions and strengthen its role within Meta’s broader social ecosystem. As the app evolves, we could see these features play a crucial part in establishing Threads as a platform for varied types of conversations, beyond its Instagram roots.
It remains to be seen how these updates will be received by users. For now, messaging will be limited in scope, and the highlighter is only available in select areas of the app. However, these developments suggest that Meta is focused on defining Threads’ identity and positioning it for further success.