Threads finally brings messaging to the web

TechCrunch Desktop Logo TechCrunch Mobile Logo LatestStartupsVentureAppleSecurityAIAppsDisrupt 2026 EventsPodcastsNewsletters SearchSubmit Site Search Toggle Mega Menu Toggle Topics Latest AI Amazon Apps Biotech & Health Climate Cloud Computing Commerce Crypto Enterprise EVs Fintech Fundraising Gadgets Gaming Google Government & Policy Hardware Instagram Layoffs Media & Entertainment Meta Microsoft Privacy Robotics Security Social Space Startups TikTok Transportation Venture More from TechCrunch Staff Events Startup Battlefield StrictlyVC Newsletters Podcasts Videos Partner Content TechCrunch Brand Studio Contact Us Image Credits:Matthias Balk/picture alliance (opens in a new window) / Apps Threads finally brings messaging to the web Aisha Malik 11:34 AM PDT · May 5, 2026 Threads is rolling out messaging on the web, bringing one-on-one and group chats to desktop, the Meta-owned social network announced on Tuesday. By bringing messaging to the web, Threads is aligning its desktop experience more closely with competitors like X and Bluesky. Connor Hayes, Meta’s head of Threads, said in a post that web messaging was the most requested feature from users after the company first introduced DMs in July 2025.

You can also search your messages and quickly start a new chat. Image Credits:Meta The launch doesn’t come as a surprise, as Hayes had teased back in April that messaging would be coming to Threads’ web experience. 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. Since launching in 2023, Threads has consistently added new features to expand its platform and remain competitive with its rivals. It’s worth noting that the social network recently added a feature that not even its competitors have: Live Chats.

Threads’ Live Chats allow for real-time conversations during cultural events and are launching first within the NBA Threads community during the playoffs. Users can send messages, photos, videos, links, and emoji reactions. Up to 150 participants can actively send messages in a chat.

Once this limit is reached, additional users can still view the conversation, react to messages, and participate in polls in “spectator” mode. 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. Topics Apps, Meta, Social, Threads When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission.

This doesn’t affect our editorial independence. Aisha Malik Consumer News Reporter Aisha is a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch. Prior to joining the publication in 2021, she was a telecom reporter at MobileSyrup.