On June 10, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the commencement of testing for native direct messaging (DM) on the Threads platform. The initial trials will take place in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Argentina, with plans for a broader rollout to additional countries in the near future. The lack of native DMs on Threads has been a significant drawback for the app, compelling users to rely on Instagram DMs for communication.

This update is a welcome change for loyal users, as a separate inbox for DMs within the Threads app on Android, iOS, and web platforms is set to enhance user experience. The new feature will include an envelope icon at the bottom of the app for mobile users, and it will be located in the left side panel for web users, making access to native DMs simple and straightforward. Although the timeline for a full rollout remains uncertain, the decision to test this feature in select countries is a positive sign for users eager for improved communication options.

Launched in July 2023 as a competitor to X (formerly Twitter), Threads sought to capitalize on the challenges faced by X, from leadership instability to technical problems. Meta aimed to provide a seamless alternative, initially considering Threads as a mere augmentation of Instagram. Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri previously opined that users did not require a separate inbox, as both platforms were interconnected.

However, this viewpoint sparked dissatisfaction among users who transitioned from X and missed the convenience of a native DM option. The inconvenience of switching between Threads and Instagram to communicate has been a point of frustration. Users have expressed the desire for native DMs since the app’s launch.

Meta’s acknowledgment of these requests and the initiation of testing indicate a shift toward prioritizing user preferences, though the wait continues for a widespread launch of this highly anticipated feature.