Can you DM on Threads? YES! And This is How
Instagram CEO Mosseri held his promise: the long-awaited DM (Direct Message) function is finally here on Threads! So if you’ve been wondering how to DM on Threads… We’ve got the answers right below.
DMs Arrive on Threads
As of July 1st, 2025, Meta is rolling out direct messaging globally on Threads, their fast-growing alternative to X (formerly Twitter). Every user now gets a dedicated Threads inbox, accessible right from the lower function bar.
Worried that your Threads DMs might interfere with your Instagram DM inbox? No need. This isn’t just an extension of Instagram DMs. It’s a Threads-specific space for private chats.
How to DM on Threads
Here’s your quick guide to messaging on Threads:
- Update your app: Make sure you’re running the latest version of Threads.
- Access your Inbox: Tap the new message icon in the lower function bar.
- Start a conversation: Search for a Threads connection or a mutual Instagram follower, and send your message (text, images, links, and more).
- Manage your chats: Use the inbox to mute, pin, or delete conversations, just like on other Meta platforms.
✨ NEW: DMs now support photos — a huge plus for visual creators.
How to Send Photos in Threads DMs
Threads now lets you send photos via DM, a feature especially useful for photographers, creators, and brands. Here’s how it works:
- Open your Inbox: Tap the message icon in the bottom bar.
- Start or open a conversation.
- Choose your photo option:
- From your gallery: Tap Media, select your photo, and tap Send.
- Take a new photo: Tap Camera, snap a pic, then choose Use Photo to send it.
Note: You can only send a message if the person follows you or if you’re connected via Instagram.
Key Features for Pros
If you’re managing a Threads account, this update could reshape your approach to community management. Here are some key features you can now use to build stronger connections:
- Safety first: At launch, DMs are only enabled between Threads followers or mutual Instagram followers who are 18 or older. According to Meta, privacy, account protections, and a safe messaging experience are in the focus.
- Message controls: Soon, you’ll be able to decide who can message you (including people who don’t follow you) and manage requests in a dedicated folder.
- Group messaging & Inbox filters: Group chats and advanced filters are coming soon, making it easier to manage multiple conversations and keep your inbox organized.
- Threads highlighter: Alongside DMs, Threads introduces the “highlighter”; a new visual element that surfaces trending topics and unique perspectives, helping you spot what’s hot and where to join the conversation.
Why This Matters for Social Media Managers & Creators
If you’re managing various accounts and channels, Threads DMs could bring you some serious benefits. Here’s how:
- Engage with your audience directly: Move important conversations out of public threads and into private chats, where you can nurture leads, offer support, or build deeper relationships.
- Community management: Handle sensitive questions, feedback, or customer service issues one-on-one, just as you would on X or Instagram DMs. This is important for reputation management and building trust.
- Broaden your toolkit: Threads DMs add another channel to your social messaging toolkit.
- Trendspotting: The new highlighter feature helps you quickly identify trending conversations and join in with timely, relevant content.
What’s Next?
Meta is already teasing more improvements, such as enhanced message controls, group messaging, and inbox filters are on the way. As Threads continues to grow, it’s positioning itself as a must-have channel for creators and brands who look for the microblogging experience.
If you’re a social media manager or content creator, now’s the time to add Threads DMs to your engagement strategy. The conversation just got a lot more personal.
