Instagram Threads introduces direct messaging feature in major update

Instagram Threads, Meta’s companion app for real-time updates, has officially rolled out a long-anticipated direct messaging (DM) feature. (Threads)

By Margaret Wanjiru
Wednesday, July 2, 2025

The feature closely resembles Instagram’s existing DM system, offering disappearing messages, emoji reactions, and read receipts. However, Threads places a stronger emphasis on minimalism and privacy, restricting DMs to mutual followers by default.

Instagram Threads, Meta’s companion app for real-time updates, has officially rolled out a long-anticipated direct messaging (DM) feature.

The feature, one of the most requested since the app’s launch in 2023, is expected to reach users worldwide during the first week of July.

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Announced on Wednesday via Meta’s newsroom and official Threads account, the new DM functionality allows users to send private messages, photos, voice notes, and links directly within the Threads app, eliminating the need to switch back to Instagram.

The move is part of Meta’s broader strategy to boost engagement and establish Threads as a standalone hub for social connection.

“We heard our community loud and clear. Sometimes, you want to take the conversation off the thread,” said Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, in a video post.

“Direct messaging on Threads is all about staying connected in real time without the noise.”

The feature closely resembles Instagram’s existing DM system, offering disappearing messages, emoji reactions, and read receipts. However, Threads places a stronger emphasis on minimalism and privacy, restricting DMs to mutual followers by default.

Users can also customise who can message them through new privacy settings. However, access is limited to users aged 18 and over, and is currently unavailable in Japan, Australia, the UK, or the EU.

As of June 2025, Threads boasts over 150 million monthly active users. Once the feature is live, users can access their DMs by tapping the envelope icon at the bottom of the app. From there, they can compose a new message using the pencil icon in the top right corner.

A new feature called Highlighter is also launching on Threads. This tool is designed to showcase “unique perspectives that lead to thoughtful conversations” and spotlight trending topics within the For You feed.

According to Meta, Highlighter aims to help users engage in meaningful dialogue by elevating posts that drive conversation and community interaction.

Tech analysts suggest the new messaging feature may give Threads a competitive edge in an increasingly saturated social media landscape.

The update is now available on both iOS and Android, with Meta promising additional features, such as message pinning, voice or video calls, and cross-platform syncing with Instagram, in future releases.