Threads is testing a shortcut to quickly start DM conversations

Source: TechCrunch

New DM Shortcut on Threads

Meta‑owned Threads is testing a shortcut that makes it easier to start a direct message (DM) conversation. Users in the test can type “DM me” or “Message me” in a post or reply, which automatically generates a hyperlink inviting others to start a private chat.

Tapping the shortcut opens a one‑on‑one DM chat with the person. If both users follow each other, the message goes directly to the recipient’s primary inbox; otherwise, it is filtered into the Message Requests folder to prevent spam.

The company says the shortcut removes the need to navigate to a person’s profile to start a DM conversation.

Context and Related Features

While Threads was late to introduce a native DM feature, this move shows the platform’s intent to make messaging more central by reducing the steps needed to start a conversation.

The new shortcut is currently rolling out to select users in the United States and Canada. As with any test feature, it’s unclear when—or if—it will be released more broadly.

The DM shortcut joins several recent additions to Threads:

• An AI‑powered feature that lets users personalize their feed.
  (TechCrunch article)
• The ability to share posts directly to an Instagram Story without leaving the app.
  (TechCrunch article)
• Exploration of in‑message games.
  (TechCrunch article)

Market Performance

A recent report from market‑intelligence firm SimilarWeb indicated that Threads now surpasses X in daily mobile usage. The report revealed that, as of January 7 2026, Threads had 141.5 million daily active mobile users, compared with X’s 125 million. While X still leads on the web, the Threads mobile app for iOS and Android has continued to see growth in daily active users over the past several months.

Image Credits: Threads