Threads brings messaging to the web

Threads has officially launched messaging on the web, bringing direct messages (DMs) to desktop browsers. The rollout addresses what Hayes described as the most requested feature from users since the platform first introduced DMs in July 2025. Connor Hayes, Meta’s head of Threads, had previously teased in April that messaging would be coming to the platform’s web experience. Hayes noted that the update is designed to cater to the platform’s most active users, who spend time on the web because they are at their desks and using Threads for longer sessions. “A conversation app needs to work wherever you are, and now it does,” Hayes wrote in a post.

Since launching in 2023, Threads has consistently added new features to expand its platform and remain competitive with its rivals. For a platform that lacked native DMs at launch, messaging has become a core part of Threads. The company told TechCrunch in an email that users have been sending 30% more messages per week since the start of the year, with usage now averaging around 350 million DMs weekly. The web version of Threads now includes a “Messages” tab that opens the user’s DM inbox, along with a “Requests” section where users can view all incoming message requests. Users can also search their messages and quickly start a new chat.

Alongside the web rollout, Threads is introducing Live Chats, which are real-time conversation features for cultural events. The feature is launching first within the NBA Threads community during the playoffs. Live Chats allow for real-time conversations where up to 150 participants can actively send messages, photos, videos, links, and emoji reactions. Once this limit is reached, additional users can still view the conversation, react to messages, and participate in polls in a spectator mode.

By bringing messaging to the desktop, Threads is aligning its experience more closely with competitors like X and Bluesky. The addition of Live Chats further differentiates the platform by enabling real-time interaction, a feature not currently offered by its primary rivals.

Why it matters

The rollout of messaging on the web and Live Chats shows that Threads is focused on making conversations a central part of its platform, beyond posts and replies.