Threads, a social media platform owned by Meta, is testing a new feature that allows users to start direct message conversations with a simple shortcut.
The feature aims to reduce the steps required to initiate a private chat on the social network, making messaging a more central part of its service. Users in the test can type “DM me” or “Message me” in a post or reply to automatically generate a hyperlink. Tapping the shortcut opens a one-on-one chat.
According to the company, mutual follows will send messages to the primary inbox, while non-follows route to the “Message Requests” folder to prevent spam. The new shortcut removes the need to navigate to a person’s profile to start a DM, simplifying the process. The feature is currently rolling out to select users in the U.S. and Canada, although there is no confirmed timeline for a wider release.
This development follows several other recent updates to the platform, including the introduction of an AI-powered feature for feed personalization and the ability to share posts directly to an Instagram Story. The company was also spotted exploring in-message games last month, indicating a continued effort to enhance user engagement.
A recent report from market intelligence firm Similarweb suggested that Threads has surpassed X in daily mobile usage. As of January 7, 2026, Threads had 141.5 million daily active mobile users, while X had 125 million. Although X still dominates Threads on the web, the growing mobile user base is a significant milestone for the platform.
