Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Threads Launches Global In-App Messaging and Trending-Topic Highlighter

The new tools mark a strategic shift by building private messaging inside Threads separate from Instagram.

Threads introduces direct messaging.
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Threads now offers global direct messages for users aged 18 and older, enabling one-on-one chats without leaving the app.
  • At launch, DMs include preset emoji reactions, spam reporting and muting, though they are not end-to-end encrypted.
  • Meta plans to introduce group messaging, inbox filters and advanced message controls in upcoming updates.
  • The Highlighter feature applies visual accents to surface trending topics and standout perspectives in users’ feeds.
  • More than a third of daily users follow largely different accounts on Threads, contributing to a 350 million-strong monthly active user base.