• by Colin Kirkland , 5 hours ago

Direct-messaging capability has begun rolling out on the Threads desktop app, marking a significant step in the evolution of the Meta-owned Twitter-like social platform and its upcoming web redesign.

“While there's nothing better than a good conversation in the replies, we know you all like to sidebar in DMs,” Threads head Connor Hayes posted on the app this week, adding that direct messaging was the “#1 request” since the platform launched messaging on mobile last summer.

Harnessing web-driven engagement has become a major focus for Threads, as the platform attempts to facilitate more in-app conversations, as well as a more seamless and in-depth way for social media managers to respond to interested consumers.

In addition to the For You feed, the New thread composition tab, Search, Notifications, Profile, and now DMs, Threads is planning to bulk up the website’s left sidebar with more navigation options, including Saved posts, performance Insights, and Messages, all of which will share the same icons as their Instagram counterparts.

“Web is an important part of how our most engaged users interact with Threads,” Hayes wrote in a post last month, teasing screenshots of the website’s new look.

“We’ll be investing more here going forward,” Hayes added, without mentioning when the renovated web layout will begin rolling out to users.