Meta has rolled out two new features to its Threads app Direct Messaging (DMs) and a Threads Highlighter aiming to enhance user interaction and discovery within the platform.
These updates mark a significant shift in how users engage on Threads, which originally focused solely on public conversations.
The newly introduced DM feature allows users to have one-on-one private chats directly within the Threads app. While Threads has always been about open discourse, Meta acknowledged the growing demand for a more personal communication tool.
Meet Emily, VP of product management on @threads. At work, she’s overseeing all the latest @threads updates, most recently Threads DMs. Outside the office, she’s at her kids’ soccer games or going for a run (and maybe cooling off with an IPA after). pic.twitter.com/fHI5eMSa8k
— Meta Newsroom (@MetaNewsroom) July 1, 2025
However, to maintain safety, DMs can only be exchanged with people who either follow you on Threads or are mutual Instagram followers aged 18 and above.
Unlike WhatsApp, Threads DMs currently lack end-to-end encryption. This means Meta has the ability to access messages if required. Users concerned about privacy are advised to avoid sharing sensitive information via Threads for now. Meta has promised future enhancements, including:
- Message Controls – Options to decide who can message you, including request folders.
- Group Chats – Enabling conversations with multiple participants.
- Inbox Filters – Helping users organize messages for better accessibility.
In addition to DMs, Meta also introduced the Threads Highlighter, a feature designed to spotlight trending posts and thought-provoking discussions.
These highlighted posts will appear in discovery feeds and trending sections, helping users find engaging content more easily. Over time, Meta plans to expand this feature’s visibility across more areas of the app.
Both features are now available globally, reflecting Meta’s ongoing push to build Threads into a more versatile and creator-friendly platform. In their official announcement, Meta stated their commitment to supporting communities, encouraging fresh voices, and fostering a space where meaningful dialogue can thrive as Threads enters its third year.