How to DM Someone on Threads: Complete Guide 2026

Threads DMs are now fully available globally, giving users a dedicated inbox for private conversations separate from Instagram. If you’re wondering how to DM on Threads, the process is now simple, with messaging features built directly into the platform.

Since July 2025, Meta has expanded Threads messaging with support for photos, videos, GIFs, stickers, group chats, and Meta AI integration. These features have turned Threads into a more complete communication platform for creators, brands, and everyday users who want to connect beyond public posts

How Do You Send a DM on Threads?

Sending a direct message on Threads is straightforward once you’ve updated to the latest version of the app. The platform introduced a dedicated messaging icon in the lower function bar, giving you quick access to your Threads inbox without navigating through multiple menus.

Here’s the step-by-step process to send your first DM:

1. Update your Threads app: Ensure you’re running the latest version from your app store to access all messaging features.
2. Tap the message icon: Look for the new message icon in the lower function bar of the Threads app.
3. Start a new conversation: Search for a Threads connection or a mutual Instagram follower you want to message.
4. Compose your message: Type your text, add photos, videos, links, GIFs, or stickers to make your message more engaging.
5. Hit send: Your message will appear in the recipient’s Threads inbox, completely separate from Instagram DMs.

Your Threads DMs remain independent from your Instagram messages, so you don’t need to worry about cross-platform confusion. This separation gives you a clean space dedicated specifically to Threads conversations, which is particularly useful for growing your follower base across Meta platforms while keeping communication channels organized.

What Media Can You Send in Threads Direct Messages?

Threads DMs support a rich variety of media formats, making conversations more dynamic and engaging than text-only messaging. You can share photos, videos, GIFs, and stickers—all the visual elements that help you express yourself and connect authentically with your audience.

To send different types of media in your Threads DMs:

• For photos: Open your inbox, start or continue a conversation, then tap Media to select an image from your gallery. Alternatively, tap Camera to capture a new photo and send it immediately.
• For videos: Follow the same process—tap Media, choose your video from your camera roll, and hit Send.
• For GIFs and stickers: Tap the Stickers and GIFs button, search for the perfect reaction or expression, then tap to send it instantly.

These multimedia options mirror what users expect from modern messaging platforms, bringing Threads in line with Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger. For creators and social media managers, this means you can share behind-the-scenes content, product previews, or quick visual responses without leaving the Threads environment.

Can You Chat with Meta AI in Threads DMs?

Yes, Threads now includes Meta AI directly in your DMs, marking a significant upgrade to the platform’s messaging capabilities. As of July 2026, you can have one-on-one conversations with Meta AI inside your Threads inbox, similar to how the assistant works in Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

This integration expands Meta AI beyond public posts (where it previously functioned like Grok on X) into private, contextual conversations. You can share Threads posts, images, links, and videos directly with Meta AI to get more detailed information, ask follow-up questions, or dig deeper into topics without switching apps.

Practical uses for Meta AI in Threads DMs include:

• Researching trending topics or fact-checking information before posting
• Brainstorming content ideas based on current conversations
• Getting quick summaries of long threads or complex discussions
• Drafting responses or captions with AI assistance

If you prefer to limit your Meta AI interactions, you have control options: mute @meta.ai, tap “Not interested” on Meta AI posts, or hide Meta AI replies that appear on your own content. The feature is available globally, so regardless of your location, you should have access to this AI-powered messaging assistant.

For more details on navigating Threads messaging features, check out our comprehensive guide on how to use DMs on Threads.

What Are the Privacy and Safety Features for Threads DMs?

Threads launched DMs with privacy as a priority, implementing controls that give users significant power over who can reach their inbox. When direct messaging first rolled out in July 2025, messages were restricted to Threads followers or mutual Instagram followers aged 18 and older.

In September 2025, Meta expanded these controls with more flexible message settings. You now have two primary options for managing who can DM you:

When you select “Anyone,” messages from people you don’t follow land in a dedicated Requests folder. This gives you the freedom to connect with new people while maintaining control over your primary inbox. You can review requests at your convenience and decide which conversations to accept.

Additional privacy features include the ability to mute, pin, or delete conversations directly from your inbox, giving you the same management tools available on other Meta platforms. These controls are accessible through your Threads DM settings, where you can adjust your preferences as your networking needs change.

What Group Chat Features Does Threads Offer?

Threads introduced group chat functionality in October 2025, allowing you to create conversations with up to 50 participants. This feature transforms Threads from a simple one-on-one messaging platform into a full-fledged group communication tool suitable for team collaboration, community building, and coordinated campaigns.

Key group chat capabilities include:

• Custom group names: Name each group chat individually to keep conversations organized and easily identifiable
• Up to 50 participants: Include a substantial number of people in a single conversation, ideal for small communities or project teams
• Invite links (coming soon): Share a link that allows others to join your group chat without manual addition
• Enhanced inbox filters: Organize your inbox with improved filtering tools to manage multiple group conversations alongside individual DMs

For social media managers and creators, group chats open new possibilities for community engagement. You can create exclusive groups for top supporters, coordinate with brand ambassadors, or facilitate discussions among event attendees. The 50-person limit strikes a balance between meaningful conversation and manageable group size.

The upcoming invite link feature will make group management even more efficient, allowing you to share a single link across your Threads posts or other platforms to grow your group organically. This mirrors successful features on platforms like Telegram and Discord, where link-based invitations simplify community building.

How Can You Use the “DM Me” Shortcut Feature?

In February 2026, Threads began testing a “DM me” shortcut that streamlines the path from public conversation to private messaging. This feature allows users to type “DM me” or “Message me” in a post, automatically generating a clickable link that opens a direct conversation without requiring profile visits.

The shortcut works by detecting specific phrases in your posts and converting them into actionable links. When someone taps the link, they’re taken directly to a DM conversation with you, removing friction from the connection process.

Currently, this feature is in limited testing among select users in the United States and Canada. Meta hasn’t confirmed a timeline for wider rollout, so users in other regions will need to wait for broader availability.

Practical applications for the “DM me” shortcut include:

• Customer service: Brands can invite customers to move support questions to private messages with a simple call-to-action
• Lead generation: Creators can encourage interested followers to reach out privately for collaborations or consultations
• Event coordination: Organizers can streamline RSVPs or provide additional details through direct messages
• Content feedback: Ask your audience to share detailed thoughts privately rather than in public comments

This feature represents Threads’ recognition that many valuable conversations start publicly but benefit from private continuation. By reducing the steps required to initiate a DM, the platform encourages more meaningful one-on-one interactions.

Can You Access Threads DMs on Desktop?

Yes, as of May 2026, Threads DMs are fully accessible through the desktop version of the platform. This update addresses a significant need for social media managers and professionals who prefer working on larger screens or managing multiple accounts simultaneously.

To access your Threads DMs on desktop, simply look for the paper plane icon in the left sidebar of the Threads web application. Clicking this icon opens your full inbox, where you can view conversations, send messages, and manage your DM settings without picking up your phone.

Desktop DM access provides several advantages for professional users:

• Faster typing: Use a full keyboard for quicker, more detailed responses
• Multitasking: Keep your DMs open in one window while monitoring Threads feeds or other platforms in separate tabs
• Screen real estate: View longer conversation histories and more context without scrolling on a small mobile screen
• Copy-paste efficiency: Easily transfer links, text, or information between your DMs and other desktop applications
• Accessibility: Desktop interfaces often provide better support for screen readers and other assistive technologies

For teams managing brand accounts, desktop access means you can integrate Threads DMs into your existing social media management workflow. You can respond to messages alongside monitoring mentions, scheduling posts, and analyzing performance—all from a single workstation.

According to Sprout Social’s research on social media management, professionals spend an average of 3-4 hours daily managing social platforms, and desktop access significantly improves efficiency during these extended work sessions.

Conclusion

Learning how to DM on Threads makes it easier to turn public conversations into private ones without leaving the app. Whether you’re messaging a friend, continuing a conversation from a post, or chatting with a group, Threads gives you a simple way to communicate directly.

Just remember to review your message and privacy settings so you can control who can contact you. As Threads continues to expand its messaging features, DMs are becoming an increasingly useful part of the platform for both casual conversations and creator connections.