It’s been two years since Threads launched, and we’re excited to see vibrant communities emerging and thriving as the app matures, continuing on the path to becoming Meta’s next major social app. 

More than a third of daily Threads users with connections follow mostly different accounts on Threads than on Instagram, showing that Threads is establishing its own unique user base. 

We want to do more to make Threads the best place for sharing fresh perspectives and open conversations. So today we’re announcing two important updates – the ability to send DMs directly in the app and the introduction of the Threads highlighter, a new visual element that emphasizes interesting perspectives and conversations. 

Introducing Messaging on Threads

Threads was created for sharing perspectives that generate vibrant, public conversations, but sometimes you want to take a conversation further, one-on-one. Messaging has been one of the top requested features, and now, you can easily continue conversations in the app and deepen relationships with others. 

We know it’s important for people to feel safe using messaging. To start, we’re only allowing DMs between your Threads followers or mutual followers from Instagram who are ages 18 and older. Messaging is also protected by our robust privacy standards, account protections and safety infrastructure. As we expand messaging, we’re prioritizing safety to help make it another place for positive interactions on Threads. 

Exciting improvements are coming to messaging soon, making it even easier to strengthen existing connections and build new ones on Threads, including:

• Message controls: Decide who can send you messages, including people who don’t follow you on Threads or Instagram, and use a dedicated message requests folder.
• Group messaging: Connect with multiple people around a conversation.
• Inbox filters: Quickly find and respond to the messages that matter to you.

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The Threads Highlighter: Emphasizing Perspectives

The Threads highlighter elevates and emphasizes unique perspectives that lead to thoughtful conversations. To start, you’ll see the highlighter in important parts of the app where you discover content, and to mark Trending topics – with more placements coming soon. 

As Threads enters year three, we’re focused on supporting communities and creators, highlighting fresh perspectives and maintaining a space where conversations and communities thrive.