Threads will soon get a new messaging feature

Meta is reportedly testing a new messaging feature for Threads, shortly afterwards the platform surpassed 130 million users. That means those who previously complained about missing messaging capabilities in the Threads app would definitely benefit from this major update.

Meta is testing the ability to send messages from the app

Many Threads users around the world are start seeing the feature. Users will now see a ‘message’ button in other Threads user profiles, where they previously could see a ‘mention’ button.

A Meta spokesperson confirmed the news of Threads’ new messaging feature to Engadget. According to the Meta spokesperson, the company is indeed that testing the ability to send messages from Threads to Instagram. Particularly since Threads doesn’t have its own inbox, the change will accommodate people looking for messaging capabilities within the platform.

Even though it’s not a full-fledged DM, it can be useful to send messages from the Threads app. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use Instagram. You’ll still have 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, it doesn’t mean there will be a separate inbox in the Threads app in the future. Instagram head Adam Mosseri has repeatedly said there is no plan to create a separate inbox for the app. But it will rather make use of the Instagram inbox and integrate the same into the Threads app. Not to forget, the spokesperson also said that the current testing of the new messaging feature is not the test of DMs on Threads.

Despite the process being a hassle for users, Mosseri previously hinted that working on two different versions of an inbox can be quite complicated. He also stated that the company will have to choose between two tough choices if by any chance the company could not get Instagram DMs to work for Threads.

First, the company could mirror the Instagram inbox within the Threads app using notification routing. Second, the company will have to create a separate inbox for Threads. The second option is quite a hassle as it gives users two redundant message threads as their friends have the same handle for Instagram and Threads.

All in all, the introduction of a new messaging feature for Threads is Meta’s other attempt to improve its platform. In February, the company added a feature that allows users to bookmark posts on Threads. Additionally, the company tested cross-posting between Threads and Facebook in the same month.