Threads App Updates: No Direct Messages Yet, But a Smoother Path to Instagram DMs
Meta, the parent company of Threads, has confirmed that the social networking app isn’t currently working on developing a separate direct messaging system. Despite users’ demand for a standalone inbox, Threads will continue relying on Instagram’s direct messages. However, the company might soon make it easier to send Instagram messages directly from Threads, a move that could enhance user convenience.
Recently, app researcher Adwaith Varma shared a sneak peek of an unreleased Threads feature. The update introduced a messaging button on user profiles, allowing quick access to send Instagram messages without leaving the Threads app. Although the feature was only a limited public test and has since been deactivated, it indicates that Meta may be experimenting with the possibility of integrating more seamless messaging options into Threads.
Past Events Show Messaging Flexibility in Meta’s Apps
This isn’t the first time Meta has blurred the lines between its platforms’ messaging systems. In 2020, Meta unified the messaging systems of Instagram and Facebook Messenger, enabling users to communicate across both apps.
Although Meta hasn’t implemented a similar feature for Threads, the current public tests hint at a potential shift.
Tech industry experts believe Meta’s decision to stick with Instagram DMs on Threads might be driven by the app’s relatively new status. As Daily Dev reports, a fully-fledged messaging system could complicate Threads’ development at this stage. However, simplifying access to Instagram DMs could bridge the gap for now, satisfying user needs while allowing Threads to continue growing without the burden of building a complex messaging infrastructure.
For now, Threads users looking to message someone privately can still tap the Instagram icon on a user’s profile and send a direct message via Instagram. If you’re actively using both apps, watch for future updates that could make switching between Threads and Instagram even easier.