Meta’s Threads Finally Gets Its Own Inbox in Global Trial
Meta is rolling out a long-awaited feature that could reshape how users engage on its Threads platform: direct messaging (DMs) within the Threads app. Until now, Threads users had to rely on Instagram to send private messages. But this is about to change.
According to an announcement by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri, Threads will now begin testing a dedicated messaging inbox in select countries. This feature will allow users to chat privately without switching apps — a major shift from Meta’s earlier plans of unifying DMs between Instagram and Threads.
Where Is Threads Testing DMs?
The Threads app will begin testing the standalone DMs feature in three markets:
- Argentina
- Thailand
- Hong Kong
Meta has confirmed that this rollout is part of a phased trial and is expected to expand to more countries in the coming months.
How the New Threads Inbox Works
The update introduces a new envelope icon at the bottom of the app interface — similar to the messaging UI in Instagram and Facebook Messenger. Once tapped, it opens a brand-new Threads inbox, fully independent from Instagram’s DMs.
Users can now start new conversations, reply to messages, and share posts without being redirected to another app. Additionally, the web version of Threads will also include the DMs feature with the envelope icon appearing on the left sidebar.
Why This Matters for Threads
This move is a big step in positioning Threads as a viable alternative to X (formerly Twitter) and even Instagram. With its fast-growing user base and increasing engagement, giving users an in-app messaging option brings Threads one step closer to being a standalone social network with complete functionality.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri admitted in a Threads post, “The ability to send messages directly on Threads has been a top request since the platform launched.” And rightly so — this small feature could boost retention, engagement, and user interaction significantly.
Impact on Brands and Advertising
This upgrade comes just weeks after Meta announced new advertising formats on Threads, including ad creatives with floating action buttons (FABs) and multiple aspect ratio support. As businesses gain more tools to engage audiences within Threads, the addition of private messaging creates a full ecosystem for influencer marketing, product discovery, and customer service.
With its own DM system, Threads can now host brand campaigns and community outreach entirely within its platform — a powerful advantage for digital marketers and e-commerce businesses. Expect to see personalized outreach, exclusive offers, and even customer support happening natively in Threads in the near future.
Is This the End of Instagram Threads Integration?
Not entirely — at least not yet. While Threads is moving toward independence, Meta may still maintain light integration with Instagram for content sharing and account login features. However, this test strongly suggests a shift toward a future where Threads operates as its own platform, much like Messenger split from Facebook years ago.
This goes against earlier speculation where Mosseri hinted at merging DMs from both apps into a unified interface. As Threads gains momentum, Meta seems to be giving it room to evolve as a next-gen microblogging and content-sharing app.
Final Thoughts: Threads Is Growing Up
Direct messaging has long been a missing piece of the Threads experience. By introducing a native inbox, Meta is unlocking new potential for the app — from user conversations to content collaborations and brand outreach.
With testing now underway in Argentina, Thailand, and Hong Kong, global expansion is likely not far behind. If all goes well, you can expect to be sliding into Threads DMs soon — without ever needing to open Instagram.
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