Threads to Launch Standalone DM Inbox, Separating from Instagram

Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has announced that Threads will soon begin testing its own dedicated DM (direct message) inbox, distinct from Instagram’s. This update means users will be able to chat directly within Threads without needing to switch to Instagram or use a separate app. The initiative aims to enhance user experience by streamlining communication within the platform.

The feature will initially be tested in select regions, including Hong Kong, Thailand, and Argentina, with plans for a broader rollout in the near future. Initially, the chat function will support one-on-one conversations, with group messaging capabilities expected to follow later. This move is anticipated to be well-received by Threads users, many of whom maintain different follower sets on Threads compared to Instagram.

The need for a separate DM inbox arises from the fact that many Threads users may not actively use their Instagram accounts, or at all. This divergence in user base has prompted Meta to rethink its approach to messaging on Threads.

Instagram has been considering various approaches to Threads DMs for some time. Last year, a prototype was developed to allow users to send messages to their Instagram inbox directly from the Threads app. In 2023, Instagram head Adam Mosseri expressed the hope that the Instagram inbox could be integrated with Threads. However, the assumption that users have similar followings on both platforms has proven to be inaccurate.

Threads was launched in July 2023, heavily leveraging Instagram’s existing network effects to quickly connect users with their friends and followers. However, over the past 20 months, the platform has evolved, fostering unique networks due to its public nature and similarities with other short-form apps like X and Bluesky.

Meta’s decision to create a separate DM inbox feature is a direct response to user feedback, with many requesting a way to engage in private conversations without leaving the Threads app. While the introduction of a DM inbox is a positive step, it comes relatively late compared to competitors.

Bluesky, for example, introduced DMs in May 2024. Additionally, X, under Elon Musk, recently launched a new XChat feature with support for group messages, disappearing messages, and file sharing, further enhancing its messaging capabilities. As Threads continues to evolve, this new DM inbox represents a critical step in establishing its independence from Instagram and enhancing user engagement.