Meta is reportedly testing a new messaging feature for Threads, shortly after the platform surpassed 130 million users. This means that those who previously complained about the lack of messaging capabilities in the Threads app would certainly benefit from this major update.
Meta is testing the ability to send messages from the application
Many Threads users around the world are starting to see the feature. Users started seeing a “message” button on other Threads user profiles where they could previously see a “mention” button.
A spokesperson for Meta confirmed to Engadget the news about Threads’ new messaging feature. According to a Meta spokesperson, the company is indeed testing the ability to send messages from Threads to Instagram. Namely, since Threads does not have its own inbox, the change will serve those looking for messaging options within the platform.
While not a full DM, it will be useful to send messages from the Threads app. But that doesn’t mean you won’t need to use Instagram. You’ll still need to use Instagram to check or reply to messages you send from the Threads app.
The new feature doesn’t necessarily mean there will be a separate inbox on Threads
While Threads is getting a new messaging feature, that doesn’t mean there will be a separate inbox in the Threads app in the future. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, has repeatedly mentioned that there is no plan to create a separate inbox for the app. But they prefer to use the Instagram inbox and integrate it into the Threads app. Lest we forget, the spokesperson also said that the current testing of the new messaging feature is not a test of DMs on Threads.
Despite the process being a hassle for users, Mosseri previously hinted that working on two different versions of the inbox can be quite complicated. He also stated that the company has two tough choices to make if by any chance the company can’t get Instagram DMs to work for Threads.
First, the company could mirror the Instagram inbox in the Threads app with the help of notification routing. Second, the company will need to create a separate inbox for Threads. The second option is quite a pain as it leaves users with two redundant message threads considering their friends will have the same Instagram handle and Threads.
All in all, the introduction of a new messaging feature for Threads is another attempt by Meta to improve its platform. In February, the company added a feature that allows users to tag posts on Threads. Moreover, the company tested cross-posting between Threads and Facebook in the same month.