Meta is building the perfect microblogging site that can be the best alternative to X. The only thing that's missing from the app is its own messaging function, and the company might add that along with its other new features and changes.
Threads DM via Instagram
Seeing as Threads is somewhat linked to Instagram since you'll use your credentials from the photo-centric app to create a Threads account, Meta might not build Threads its own DMs but use Instagram instead. This is expected especially after what Instagram Head Adam Mosseri stated.
He said that they were reluctant to build DMs into Threads as they believed that Instagram's messaging service might be the right one for Threads. According to The Verge, Mosseri has been hinting that Instagram's DMs could be the main way for private chats.
In a reply to a post, Mosseri also said their hope is that they can make the Instagram inbox work and that there was still a lot to do. In addition to that, he announced that they just launched the "ability to DM from Threads without app switching."
It was admitted that they still need to make the process smoother by improving the receiving experience and working through a more comprehensive set of messaging controls. With those revealed, users might soon have access to the feature.
Adam Mosseri also mentioned other issues that might emerge such as notifications from both apps. If you do message someone on Threads through Instagram, it's undecided on which app the notification will appear on, or if it will be both.
The two options would be having to deal with two notifications from both apps wherein users themselves can figure out which one to turn off, or they will have redundant messaging inboxes for their friends as they use both apps.
If Threads does add these features, then the app will be closer to the Twitter that everyone wants back. There are already a couple of features that have been added to achieve this, and Meta will likely update the app more in the future.
Recent Threads Features
The app is making progress as it listens to the suggestions of its users. Other than the potential DM inbox, users can now delete or deactivate their Threads account separately, meaning that they won't have to delete their Instagram account to do so anymore.
Threads has added polls and GIFs, a feature that many have used in other social media platforms. You can edit posts as well wherein a timer will appear that tells users how long before the post becomes permanent, and they can access it without paying for a premium subscription.
After listening to complaints from several users, Threads finally added an option for users to turn off cross-platform posting. Through settings, they can toggle automatic posting for Facebook or Instagram, both if they choose.
The microblogging app has the potential to be big, although it may not be as easy as it sounds. Even as it managed to get around 10 million users in under a day, it's still a long way from being the " de facto platform for online conversations."
