Meta’s Threads platform introduced direct messages (DMs) and a Threads Highlighter feature, fulfilling a top user request since its launch in 2023. Available for users aged 18 and above, the DMs come with robust controls and inbox filters.
Threads, launched in 2023 as a competitor to X, now supports one-on-one and group messaging for followers or Instagram mutuals aged 18+. Users access DMs via an envelope icon in the app’s bottom tray, with a user interface mirroring Instagram’s. Message controls allow users to permit DMs from non-followers, directing such requests to a separate folder. Inbox filters enable easy message sorting, enhancing the user experience. Meta’s privacy standards and safety measures protect these interactions, with plans to expand capabilities soon.
Meet Emily, VP of product management on @threads. At work, she’s overseeing all the latest @threads updates, most recently Threads DMs. Outside the office, she’s at her kids’ soccer games or going for a run (and maybe cooling off with an IPA after). pic.twitter.com/fHI5eMSa8k
— Meta Newsroom (@MetaNewsroom) July 1, 2025Meta’s blog reported that alongside DMs, Threads introduced the Highlighter, a UI element designed to spotlight trending topics and foster thoughtful conversations. Highlighted content appears prominently in the app, helping users discover unique perspectives. Meta plans to expand Highlighter’s placement, integrating it with trending topics to boost engagement and content visibility, aligning with the platform’s goal of meaningful interaction.
The DM feature addresses a key gap in Threads’ functionality, responding to user feedback noted by Instagram head Adam Mosseri. By enabling private and group chats, Threads strengthens its position as a microblogging platform, competing with X. The Highlighter feature enhances content discovery, encouraging deeper engagement. These updates, tested in select markets last month, aim to attract and retain users in a competitive social media landscape.
DMs have finally arrived on Threads. No, they're not encrypted. https://t.co/jtlcQuYTuB
— Insider Tech (@TechInsider) July 1, 2025Threads’ introduction of DMs and Highlighter in 2025 enhances its appeal, offering users aged 18+ new ways to connect and engage. The features strengthen Meta’s ecosystem, integrating with Instagram while prioritising privacy. As social media evolves, these updates position Threads as a dynamic platform, sparking discussions on user interaction and digital communication trends.
