The team behind Threads isn’t currently developing a separate inbox or direct messaging system for the social network, despite user demands. Instead, they will continue leveraging Instagram’s inbox. However, there’s a possibility that sending messages to Instagram directly from the Threads app might become more streamlined.
App researcher Adwaith Varma recently showcased an unreleased Threads feature, highlighting a new messaging button on users’ profiles. Tapping this button would reveal a text box and allow users to send a message directly to someone’s Instagram inbox.
Threads confirmed to TechCrunch that this was a public test with a limited set of users, but it’s no longer active. This indicates that the company might introduce features to initiate messaging directly from Threads in the future. Currently, the only way to send a private message is by tapping the Instagram icon on a user’s profile and using Instagram’s messaging system.
Threads’ integration with Instagram is far from ideal for users with private profiles. Additionally, Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) are not the best option for reaching someone who isn’t very active on the platform.
This approach contrasts with competitors like X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky. X has had a direct messaging system for years and has recently introduced features such as message editing. Bluesky launched its direct messaging product earlier this year and plans to add end-to-end encryption soon. While Mastodon doesn’t have a dedicated inbox, it allows users to publish posts visible only to mentioned individuals.
Although Threads isn’t currently prioritizing a separate inbox, Instagram head Adam Mosseri has previously mentioned that it might be considered if an integrated inbox doesn’t work out. Mosseri noted that many users follow similar groups on both Instagram and Threads. However, some users have distinct timelines and social graphs on the two platforms. This gives hope that Threads might eventually develop a separate inbox to cater to diverse user preferences.
