What Is the Threads App and How Do DMs Work?
If you’ve been on Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed people talking about Threads, Meta’s new text-based social platform. Designed as an alternative to X (formerly Twitter), Threads connects directly with your Instagram account.
Since launching, the app has grown rapidly—reaching over 100 million users in just a few days. While it’s primarily text-focused, it also supports photo and video uploads, making it a versatile social platform.
One standout feature is the ability to see posts from users outside your Instagram following, helping you discover new communities and expand your network.
Why Are DMs Important on Threads?
Because Threads is developed by Meta, the same company behind Instagram, it also supports a direct messaging (DM) feature. For many users, private communication is just as important as public posting.
However, some first-time users have reported confusion:
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“I can’t find the DM button on Threads.”
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“The settings are unclear.”
If you’ve run into these issues, this guide explains how to send a DM on Threads, what to do if messages don’t appear, and how to adjust your messaging preferences.
How to Send a DM on Threads
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Launch the app
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Download Threads for free from the App Store or Google Play, then open it.
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Check the bottom menu
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In the navigation bar, the second icon from the left (speech bubble) is the messaging button.
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Search for a recipient
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Enter a username in the search bar, or choose from your recent contacts.
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Start a conversation
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Once inside the chat window, you can send text, links, photos, or other media just like Instagram’s DM feature.
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Fixing the “DM Not Showing” Problem
Some users say they can’t see the DM button or their conversation list doesn’t load. Here are common solutions:
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Update the app: Threads updates frequently. Outdated versions may hide features.
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Check account connection: Since Threads is tied to Instagram, make sure you’re logged into the correct account.
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Confirm your network: A weak connection may delay the display of your conversation history.
DM Settings on Threads
Threads messaging works similarly to Instagram DMs:
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Notifications: Go to Settings → Notifications → Messages to enable or disable alerts.
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Privacy Controls: Block or restrict accounts you don’t want messages from.
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Account Sync: Accounts blocked on Instagram are also blocked on Threads automatically.
Sharing Messages from Threads
If you want to share a message you received on Threads:
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Copy and paste: Long-press a message to copy it.
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Use the share icon: Send the message to other platforms like Messenger, WhatsApp, or SMS.
⚠️ Note: Be cautious when forwarding sensitive or private information outside the app.
Final Thoughts
To recap, sending a DM on Threads only takes a few taps:
Bottom menu → DM icon → Search recipient → Start chatting.
If you don’t see the option, check for updates, confirm account sync, or troubleshoot your internet connection. Once set up, the DM feature can be customized with privacy and notification settings, and you can even share messages externally if needed.
Threads is still evolving quickly, and its direct messaging system is likely to expand with new features over time. For now, knowing how to navigate DMs will help you make the most of this growing platform.
