TechCrunch·May 5, 2026

💻Threads Adds Web Messaging With DMs and Groups

Threads Brings Desktop Chat to Your Browser

TL;DR

Threads now supports messaging on the web, including one-on-one and group chats. Since its launch in 2023, Threads has seen a 30% increase in weekly messages sent.

Threads is rolling out messaging capabilities for desktop browsers, allowing users to engage in both one-on-one and group conversations directly from their computers. This update comes after the feature was the most requested by users following the introduction of direct messaging on mobile in July 2025. The web version includes a dedicated 'Messages' tab and a 'Requests' section for managing chat invitations, enhancing user experience with features like message search and easy starting of new chats. Since its launch in 2023, Threads has seen weekly DMs sent increase by 30%, reaching around 350 million messages per week.

Threads Adds Web Messaging With DMs and Groups

Key Points

1

Web-based messaging on Threads includes a 'Messages' tab and a 'Requests' section for managing chat invites.

2

Users have been sending an average of 350 million direct messages weekly since the beginning of the year, up 30%.

3

Threads introduced DMs in July 2025; web messaging was the most requested feature by users afterward.

4

Live Chats are rolling out within NBA Threads during playoffs, allowing up to 150 participants to actively send messages.

5

Additional viewers can join 'spectator' mode once participant limits are reached, enabling them to react and participate in polls.

Why It Matters

If you're a frequent user of Threads on desktop, the web messaging feature will streamline your communication. With an average of 350 million weekly DMs sent since January, this update is crucial for maintaining engagement during cultural events like NBA playoffs.

Threadsweb-messaginggroup-chatsdirect-messages

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're a frequent user of Threads on desktop, the web messaging feature will streamline your communication. With an average of 350 million weekly DMs sent since January, this update is crucial for maintaining engagement during cultural events like NBA playoffs.

What happened?

Threads now supports messaging on the web, including one-on-one and group chats. Since its launch in 2023, Threads has seen a 30% increase in weekly messages sent.

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