Threads Finally Gets DMs, Plus a New ‘Visual Highlights’ Feature

Meta has finally introduced the long awaited Direct Messages (DMs) feature to its Threads app, along with a new visual highlight feature. These new additions mark a major step forward in making the Threads a standalone platform, independent of Instagram.

These additions arrive just in time as Threads is set to celebrate its second anniversary. The app launched on July 5, 2023, and the new features signal a more mature, community-driven direction.

The wait is over! Instagram Head, Adam Mosseri announced on Threads the much anticipated arrival of DMs. He shared,

View on Threads

Meta even shared a telling stat:

More than a third of daily Threads users with connections follow mostly different accounts on Threads than on Instagram.

Let’s unpack what’s new.

How to Send DMs on Threads? (Finally!)

Direct Messages, one of the most requested features since the app’s launch, is finally here. However, there are a few rules you must know:

• No encryption yet – so keep it light.
• You can only DM users who:
  • Follow you back on Threads or are mutual followers on Instagram.
• Both users must be over 18.

While this is a fairly limited launch, Meta says more features are on the way, including:

• Message controls: Let you decide who can send messages and manage a message request folder.
• Group messaging: Chat with multiple users in one conversation.
• Inbox filters: Organize messages to quickly find what matters.

You’ll find the DMs in a dedicated tab rolling out globally today.

What is Threads Highlighter?

Alongside messaging, Threads is also debuting a new visual feature called the Threads Highlighter. This tool is designed to:

Elevate and emphasize unique perspectives that lead to thoughtful conversations.

What it does:

• Surfaces trending topics and content highlights.
• Will appear in key parts of the app, especially in discovery sections.
• More placements are expected in future updates.

Simply put, it’s a fresh way to explore what’s buzzing on Threads without relying solely on your feed.

Not Just Instagram’s Sidekick Anymore

While Direct Messages is an essential feature, many would consider the Thread Highlighter just a cosmetic upgrade. However, it is far more than cosmetic—it marks a turning point in how Threads operates. With these new additions, Meta is signaling that Threads is no longer just a text extension of Instagram, but an increasingly independent social space with its personality.

Are you excited about DMs and the Threads Highlighter? Let us know how you plan to use these new features.