Threads Tests New Shortcut for Easier Direct Messaging
In a bid to streamline user communication, Threads, the social network owned by Meta, announced on Thursday that it is testing a new feature designed to make direct messaging more accessible. The feature allows users involved in the test to type phrases like “DM me” or “Message me” within a post or reply, which then automatically generates a hyperlink. Other users can click on this hyperlink to initiate a private conversation.
Clicking the shortcut redirects users to a one-on-one direct messaging chat with the person who posted the hyperlink. If both parties follow each other, the message lands directly in the primary inbox. However, if they do not, the message goes into the “Message Requests” folder as a safeguard against spam. This was shared by the company in a statement, highlighting that the new shortcut eliminates the need to navigate to a person’s profile to start a direct message conversation.
Threads Focuses on Enhancing Messaging Experience
Even though Threads was comparatively late in introducing native direct messaging, this latest development hints at the social network’s intent to make messaging a key element of its platform. The experiment with the new feature aligns with the company’s strategy to reduce the number of steps needed to start a conversation.
Image Credits:Threads
Threads’ Growing Popularity
The DM shortcut feature is currently available to select users in the U.S. and Canada. It is uncertain when or if Threads plans to expand the feature to a wider user base. This development is one of many recent feature additions by Threads, including an AI-powered tool for personalized feeds, the ability to share posts directly to Instagram Stories without leaving the app, and in-message games.
According to a report by market intelligence firm Similarweb, Threads has surpassed competitor X in terms of daily mobile usage, although X still leads in web usage. The report, dated January 7, 2026, detailed that Threads had 141.5 million daily active users on mobile, while X had 125 million daily active users.
The continuous introduction of user-friendly features by Threads and its increasing popularity indicate a promising future for the social network. As it continues to innovate and evolve, one can expect more exciting features that further enhance the user experience.
Source: TechCrunch
