Despite previous reluctance to add a direct messaging (DM) option, Meta’s Threads team now seems to be in the development phase of incorporating this feature. The move aims to make Threads more competitive with other social apps, in alignment with Meta’s broader messaging strategies.
New data suggests upcoming DM feature
According to data privacy researcher Jorge Caballero, Threads has recently included new data strings that likely relate to direct messaging. Caballero adds that Threads DMs are expected to offer encryption, giving users the option to send messages that self-destruct if they wish. This approach aligns Threads with Meta’s other messaging tools and sets the stage for Threads to be compatible with Meta’s overall messaging ecosystem.
How this fits into Meta’s broader messaging plan
Adding DMs to Threads could serve as a key element in Meta’s larger messaging strategy, which aims to integrate all Meta-owned messaging tools. Since 2019, Meta has been working on a plan that would merge direct messages from Messenger, Instagram Direct, and WhatsApp into a single, interoperable inbox that can be accessed from any of these platforms. This means users would be able to send a message from one app and receive it in another, making the experience seamless across all platforms.
Initially, Meta seemed hesitant to add another DM service to its portfolio, perhaps to avoid complicating its ongoing integration efforts. However, the demand for a DM feature in Threads appears to be high, possibly driven by the app’s growing popularity and its aim to be a serious contender against other social platforms.
No official confirmation yet but signs point to yes
Although Meta has not yet confirmed this development, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has recently shown a softer stance towards adding a DM feature in Threads. This change in tone suggests that we may soon see this feature become a reality, especially given Threads’ growing user base.
Recent data from data.ai shows that Threads has gained momentum, particularly after competitor apps made changes that were not well-received by users. As reported by Platformer’s Casey Newton, “Between Saturday and Wednesday [this week], Threads climbed from #40 to #20 on the download charts. The greatest impact was in the UK, where it climbed 32 positions from #92 to #61 overall.”
Though it’s still too early to tell if this will result in a significant shift in user behaviour, adding a DM feature could very well be a game-changer for Threads, making it a viable alternative to other social media apps.
