Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on June 10, 2025, that the social network “Threads,” launched by Meta in July 2023, would eventually start testing a dedicated direct message (DM) inbox separate from Instagram’s DM system. This long-awaited feature enables users to chat on Threads with each other, and easily switch to Instagram or any other app. 

Why a separate inbox? 

Threads has been connected to Instagram since its launch, making users log in with their Instagram accounts and automatically follow the same people. Earlier, Threads users could only send posts to friends through Instagram DMS, and for that purpose they would switch the app from Threads to Instagram. This caused frustration for those who wanted a single inbox within the Threads within Instagram. The Meta decision to create a separate DM inbox is directly linked to these user demands.

Initial Rollout and Features

The new DM inbox will first be tested in selective countries Hong Kong, Thailand, and Argentina with plans for a broader rollout soon. Initially, the feature will support only one-on-one chats, excluding group messaging and other advanced features like file sharing or vanishing messages that competitors offer. Users will find the DM inbox accessible via a new envelope icon on the app’s taskbar, making messaging more intuitive and integrated within Threads.

Meta’s Late Entry to the Messaging Race

Meta’s move comes after competitors like Bluesky introduced DMs in May 2024 and Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) recently launched XChat, which includes group messages, disappearing messages, and file sharing. Compared to these platforms, the DM feature of the threads is basic and delayed, which highlights the cautious approach of the meta for the integration of the meta.

Instagram Head Adam Moseri first expressed doubts about adding a separate messaging feature to the threads to keep Instagram’s inbox as a central hub for messages on the platform of the Meta. However, increasing deviations in user behavior on threads made this approach less viable.

What does it mean for the future of threads?

By separating the DM inbox of Threads from Instagram, the growing freedom of Meta Threads and the need to meet its unique user base is accepted. This change can enhance the user experience by making communication clearer and more native to the platform. However, the limited scope of the initial rollout and the absence of group chat suggest that Meta is still testing the waters. It would be important to expand messaging abilities for threads to compete with installed platforms offering rich communication features.

Author’s take:

The introduction of a meta of a dedicated DM inbox on Threads suggests that the app is evolving and the platform is growing in its own space. However, Meta should accelerate adding more messaging features to keep pace with competitors and meet the expectations of users.