Meta has made remarkable progress in improving its Threads app, celebrating its second anniversary with the launch of a direct messaging feature and a fresh visual highlights option. These enhancements seek to further define Threads as a standalone platform, separate from its Instagram roots.
### Direct Messaging Feature
The highly anticipated direct messaging (DM) function is finally being introduced. Users now have the ability to chat privately within the app, though they must adhere to specific guidelines. DMs are not encrypted, and users can only message those who follow them back on Threads or are mutual followers on Instagram. Moreover, both participants must be over 18 years old.
Future enhancements for the DM feature are anticipated to encompass:
– **Message Controls**: Users will gain the capability to control who can send them messages, including options for those who do not follow them on either platform, along with a designated message requests folder.
– **Group Messaging**: This feature will enable users to participate in discussions with several members.
– **Inbox Filters**: Users will have the means to swiftly identify and reply to crucial messages.
### The Threads Highlighter
Alongside DMs, Threads is launching the “Threads Highlighter,” a new visual component designed to showcase distinct viewpoints and encourage meaningful conversations. The highlighter will emphasize trending themes and other important topics, appearing in key sections of the app where users explore content. This feature strives to boost user interaction by fostering relevant dialogues.
Both the direct messaging function and the Threads highlighter are accessible globally, underscoring Meta’s dedication to transforming Threads into a platform with its own identity and audience. Significantly, a third of daily Threads users engage with different accounts than those they follow on Instagram, highlighting an expanding and unique community within the app.
