After initially launching its messaging option with restrictions on who could send messages to whom in the app, Threads is now expanding its DM controls, so that anybody in the app will be able to send anyone else a message.
As you can see in these example screens, posted by @yorush, a new pop-up in the app is informing some users that they can now activate message requests in the app, so that users who they don’t follow can also send through DM requests.
The Threads team has confirmed that the expansion is currently being rolled out to all users with DMs enabled.
Threads DMs will now have a new option to activate message requests from anyone, not just those they’re already connected to (on Threads or IG), while there’ll also be a separate DM requests inbox to help you manage this element.
It’s a change in approach from the launch of Threads DMs back in July, when the Threads team noted that:
“To start, we’re only allowing DMs between your Threads followers or mutual followers from Instagram who are ages 18 and older.”
It seems now that Threads sees value in expanding that connection, and enabling more users to connect via DM in the app.
Which makes sense. More and more interaction in social media apps is now happening via DMs, with fewer users looking to post publicly, and face potential criticism or questioning from strangers.
Which is why Threads added DMs in the first place, despite initially seeming hesitant to do so, and given the broader trends in connection, it does make sense for Threads to further align with the DM shift.
It’ll also expand your opportunities to connect in the app, and establish professional and personal connections via Threads.
I mean, there’ll also be spam as well, but again, you can block people, and you will have control over who can send you a message.
It seems like a logical progression.
