Threads, Meta's micro-conversation social network, is launching one of its most anticipated features: group direct messages. At the same time, the company is accelerating the rollout of the messaging service to more regions, with a particular focus on the European Union, and reinforcing a robust suite of privacy and security controls. With this move, the platform takes a key step towards competing as a real-time conversation space. The new feature allows for group chats with up to 50 followers in a single chat, with customization options and tools to keep conversations under control.
In addition to group messaging, Meta is strengthening individual direct messages with new protections, filters, and multimedia support. The inbox is reaching more users and is integrated with practical features like private post sharing and muting or pinning conversations. The experience is rounded out with a new Threads Highlighter that highlights trending topics so you don't miss what's happening within the app.
What's changing in Threads: Direct Messages and Group Chats?
The big new feature is the ability to start group conversations without leaving Threads. Users can create a new message and add up to 50 people who follow them on the platform, with the option to give the chat a unique name for instant identification. The group feature is a natural evolution of individual messaging, which already allowed users to send text, photos, videos, GIFs, and stickers.
For now, adding members to groups is done manually, one person at a time. However, Meta has confirmed that it will soon be possible to invite people via a link to streamline the process, an improvement especially useful for communities and teams. The company also announced that it will be working on new tools to manage inboxes in folders more efficiently and effectively.
Availability and deployment by region
Threads messaging is undergoing a broad rollout, including across the European Union, where direct messages are already available and group chats are beginning to be activated. In some cases, it may take a few days for the feature to appear for all users, which is normal for large-scale, phased releases. Meta notes that the rollout is progressing in stages, so if you don't see the feature in your inbox yet, it will likely arrive very soon.
In the global launch of group messaging, Meta indicated that the UK and Australia would be temporarily excluded, with the feature arriving "soon." This detail does not affect the rest of the markets, where support is rolling out normally. The EU, specifically, gains access to individual and group chats, as well as messaging controls, privacy settings, a hidden folder, and multimedia file support.
How Direct Messages Work in Threads
Direct messages have their own dedicated inbox within the app. You can access it from the corresponding icon in the bottom menu, where you'll find your conversations and requests. Unlike other Meta apps, Threads' messaging system is separate and doesn't merge with Instagram DMs. This separation helps keep conversations organized and better define the context of each social network.
In addition to text, you can send images, videos, GIFs, and stickers starting in July, use the sticker editor , and share public posts privately by tapping the paper airplane icon on each post. You can also mute, pin, or delete conversations to keep your inbox up to date. The experience is designed to be fast, clear, and focused on the conversation thread.
Group Chats: Participant Limits and Key Options
Groups can accommodate up to 50 participants, and for security reasons, only people who follow you on Threads can be added. This restriction aims to reduce noise and unwanted interactions, as well as give the chat creator more control. Naming each group with its own identifier makes it easier to organize conversations by team, project, subject, or topic.
Initially, adding members is done manually. Very soon, Meta will activate the option to share a link to join the group, simplifying the process of adding participants without having to add them one by one. This improvement will bring the experience closer to what already exists in other messaging apps, while maintaining Threads' own security rules.
Privacy, security and tray control
Meta has implemented several layers of protection to maintain healthy conversations. There's a folder to filter unwanted messages and a hidden folder that prevents you from seeing harmful content or spam. Additionally, you can completely disable friend requests from people you don't follow, reducing the risk of unwanted contact. These settings help each user control who can access their inbox and what remains hidden from view.
In the immediate future, the company will add even finer controls to decide who can message you, even if they don't follow you, with the first step being a request folder that you can choose to accept or reject. Inbox filters will also be introduced to better organize messages, a frequent request from daily users of the platform. The goal is to make conversations useful and secure without complicating access to what's important.
Requirements and limits of use
To enhance safety, direct messaging is available between accounts of users over 18 who follow each other on Threads or are mutual followers on Instagram, depending on the launch conditions. This framework reduces the risk of unwanted contact and protects younger users. Meta will adjust these criteria with new controls to expand options without compromising safety.
The requirement that participants follow you also applies to groups, a filter that favors real communities built around already connected profiles. At the same time, the company is refining the reporting and blocking mechanisms already in place on the platform. This way, the system prioritizes trusted connections and discourages abuse or spam.
Differences with Instagram messages
Although Threads and Instagram share an ecosystem, Threads messaging operates independently and doesn't combine conversations with Instagram DMs. This helps maintain a clear distinction between different usage contexts: public and semi-public conversations in Threads versus the more visual and personal dynamics on Instagram. For the user, this means less confusion and greater focus on each type of interaction.
The separation also allows Meta to evolve Threads messaging at its own pace, adding features specifically for conversations around threads, trends, and native communities on the platform. In practice, you'll have two separate inboxes that you can manage according to your goals and audiences.
How to Send a DM on Threads: A Quick Start Guide
First, make sure your app is updated to the latest version. Then, open Threads and go to your inbox from the bottom menu. Find a contact who follows you or a mutual Instagram follower and start chatting. From there, you can write messages, send media, pin, mute, or delete conversations using the usual options.
To share a post privately, tap the paper airplane icon next to the post and choose the contact or group. If you don't see the DM inbox yet, the rollout is likely underway in your region and will be activated in the coming days. The activation time depends on the Meta rollout phase in each market.
Why it matters to creators and social media managers
For community managers, Threads DMs open a direct conversation channel that adds value and fosters a closer connection. Answering questions, addressing inquiries, and following up on opportunities becomes easier by centralizing conversations linked to public threads. This private layer can transform casual interactions into trusting relationships with your audience.
Group chats also allow you to organize sessions with loyal followers, coordinate teams, or activate themed groups. Along with Instagram and WhatsApp, Threads adds another channel to strengthen relationships with fans and customers, with its own unique tone and logic. The combination of public and private spaces within the same app facilitates the transition from visibility to meaningful conversation.
Threads Highlighter: Trends in Sight
Alongside its push for messaging, Meta is introducing a visual element called Threads Highlighter to highlight trending topics and perspectives. This feature already appears in the main exploration sections and will expand to more areas within the app. The idea is to ensure you don't miss key conversations and can quickly join the threads that interest you most.
For creators and brands, this highlighter serves as an opportunity radar: what's trending, where to add value, and how to synchronize content with the community's pulse. Combined with direct messages, it allows you to identify a topic, engage publicly, and, if it makes sense, move the conversation to a private space. It's a complete formula for discovering, engaging in conversation, and building relationships.
State of the platform and Meta's ambition
Since its launch, Threads has amassed a user base exceeding 350 million, with Meta reporting around 400 million monthly active users. With messaging being the most requested feature by the community, the company asserts that the platform is on track to become its next big app. The focus now is on enhancing everyday usability and user experience control.
Recent improvements—including media in messages, spam filters, a hidden folder, and privacy settings—demonstrate steady progress toward a more mature messaging experience. The arrival of groups was the next logical step to boost engagement and facilitate richer conversations. The phased rollout helps validate stability before launching them fully in all regions.
Features coming soon and roadmap
Meta has confirmed that soon it will be possible to send chat invitations via links, streamlining the process of adding participants to groups. Inbox filters and advanced tools for managing incoming messages and precisely controlling who can contact you will also be added. These features fit together to combine reach and control without sacrificing security.
The company will continue to iterate the experience based on community feedback, refining both the interface and the rules governing messages, especially in large groups. The balance between openness and moderation will be key to maintaining a positive experience. Each iteration focuses on preventing abuse and reducing noise.
Best practices for using groups in Threads
Before creating a group, define its purpose and the type of content you expect to share. Give it a clear name and agree on some basic rules: language, message frequency, and allowed file types. The clearer the framework, the smoother the conversation will be and the fewer conflicts will arise.
If you manage a community, use groups for short, focused sessions: Q&As, feedback on new ideas, or quick support. Avoid overwhelming users with notifications and mute conversations when appropriate. Remember that pinning messages helps highlight important information without constantly repeating it.
FAQ
Where is the DM inbox? You'll find it in the app's bottom menu, identified by its icon. If it doesn't appear, wait a few days: the rollout may not be complete in your region. Once it's active, you'll see your conversations and requests all in one place.
Do Threads DMs get mixed up with Instagram DMs? No, each app maintains its own inbox. This independence prevents confusion and allows for different conversation strategies depending on the channel. Manage each network with the appropriate context for your content.
How many people can be in a group? Up to 50, as long as they follow you on Threads. This limit is designed to ensure the quality of the conversation and for moderation. In addition, you'll soon be able to invite people with a link to make it easier for them to join.
What security controls are available? You can filter unwanted messages, hide potentially harmful content in a specific folder, and disable requests from people you don't follow. You can also block or report when necessary. Privacy settings give you control of your inbox.
With the arrival of group chats, the expansion of messaging to the EU, and a robust suite of controls, Threads elevates its public and private conversation space. The combination of groups of up to 50 participants, multimedia support, spam filters, a hidden folder, and independence from Instagram creates a clean and secure experience.
Add to that the new Threads Highlighter for detecting trends, and the platform has all the ingredients it needs to become a comfortable place to discover, connect, and converse. Share this guide so more users can learn how to use group chats in Threads.