Instagram’s Threads is finally delivering its most requested feature: direct messaging within the app. Starting this week, users around the world can send private one-on-one messages on Threads without switching back to Instagram or another app. Alongside DMs, Threads is also introducing a new highlighted perspectives feature designed to emphasize trending conversations and unique viewpoints.
Image Credits: FB
What Threads’ New Direct Messaging Means for Users
At launch, Threads’ DMs offer a straightforward experience:
One-on-one private chats
Preset emoji reactions for quick replies
Spam reporting and the ability to mute conversations
More advanced features like group messaging, inbox filters, and granular message controls are planned for future updates.
Currently, you can only message people you follow, and blocking someone on Threads also blocks them on Instagram. DMs are available only to users 18 and older in most markets, excluding Japan, Australia, the U.K., and the EU.
This update makes Threads a stronger competitor to text-first social apps like X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky, where direct and group messaging are core features.
Image Credits: FB
Threads Highlighter: Spotlighting Trending Topics and Perspectives
Along with DMs, Threads is launching the Threads Highlighter — a visual tool that spotlights trending conversations and interesting perspectives within your feed. This feature helps users quickly discover and engage with the most talked-about topics, starting with trending events.
Over time, the highlighter will evolve to showcase active contributors and unique viewpoints across various topic feeds, making it easier to join meaningful discussions.
Image Credits: FB
Moving Beyond Instagram: Threads Builds Its Own Identity
Threads is increasingly distinguishing itself from Instagram. While it initially relied on Instagram’s social graph, Meta reports that over a third of daily Threads users have less than 50% overlap with their Instagram connections. This indicates that users are building new, distinct communities on Threads centered around interests and perspectives rather than just social connections.
Threads’ VP of Product, Emily Dalton Smith, explained, “Instagram is really for creativity, and Threads is really for perspectives.”
To support this independence, Meta is testing ways for users to sign up for Threads without an Instagram account, including logging in with Facebook or creating Threads-only profiles. There’s even experimentation with allowing web access without logging in.
What’s Next for Threads?
Group messaging and enhanced inbox controls are coming soon.
The app will improve community discovery by highlighting top contributors and suggesting users to follow.
AI-powered features may be integrated later to enhance content discovery and trending topic summaries, though monetization beyond ads isn’t currently planned.
Image Credits: FB
How to Use Threads’ New Features
Open Threads and tap the envelope icon to access your inbox.
Tap the pencil icon to start a new DM with someone you follow.
Scroll your For You feed to see highlighted trending conversations and jump into discussions.
Takeaways
Threads now supports direct one-on-one messaging without leaving the app.
The new highlighter feature spotlights trending conversations and unique perspectives.
Basic DM features include emoji reactions, spam reporting, and mute; group chats and advanced controls are coming.
Threads is evolving beyond Instagram, building distinct communities focused on interests and perspectives.
These updates position Threads as a more dynamic platform for private chats and real-time social engagement.
With 350 million monthly active users, Threads is rapidly growing and carving out its own niche in the social media landscape. These latest features make it easier than ever to connect privately and engage with what’s trending—right inside Threads.
