Meta Expands Threads App with Messaging Capabilities
Meta’s Threads app, which recently celebrated a milestone of reaching 130 million users, is on the verge of enhancing user experience with a much-requested feature. A new messaging function is currently in the testing phase, a move that addresses previous feedback from users who felt the absence of direct messaging options within the app.
Users have begun to notice a new “message” button appearing on other users’ profiles, replacing the previous “mention” button. This subtle yet significant change hints at the integration of messaging capabilities directly within the Threads app.
A Meta spokesperson has officially confirmed to Engadget the ongoing tests, revealing that the feature will allow for messages to be sent from Threads to Instagram. However, it’s important to note that Threads will not host its own inbox; instead, it will leverage Instagram’s existing messaging system, requiring users to visit Instagram to view and respond to messages initiated on Threads.
While this new feature does not equate to a standalone direct messaging service, it does offer the convenience of initiating conversations from within the Threads app, streamlining the user experience for those who frequent both platforms.
Integration with Instagram’s Inbox, Not a Separate Threads Inbox
Despite the introduction of messaging on Threads, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has clarified that the app will not develop a separate inbox. The plan is to integrate Threads with the existing Instagram inbox, ensuring a cohesive messaging experience across both platforms. The spokesperson also emphasized that the current testing phase does not include direct messaging (DM) capabilities specific to Threads.
Mosseri has previously expressed the complexities involved in managing two different inboxes, suggesting that the company faces a challenging decision. If integrating Instagram DMs with Threads proves unfeasible, Meta may consider two alternatives. One option involves mirroring the Instagram inbox within Threads through notification routing. The other, less favored option would be to create a distinct inbox for Threads, which could lead to confusion and redundancy for users who communicate with the same contacts across both platforms.
The addition of messaging to Threads is part of Meta’s continuous efforts to refine its services. Earlier this year, the platform introduced a bookmarking feature, allowing users to save posts within Threads. Additionally, Meta tested the ability to cross-post content between Threads and Facebook, further bridging the gap between its various social media offerings.
