Popular microblogging site Twitter implemented changes to its Android and iOS versions. It does not support the Direct Message (DM) option anymore.
Quick Facts
- Twitter has introduced a drastic change in its iOS and Android platforms by removing the Direct Message (DM) option
- The company wants to simplify the interface and improve the user experience
- Users who don’t approve of the change are told that they can still access the feature in other ways
The DM button was previously placed on the top navigation bar of the mobile app but now it does not exist there anymore. It has caused some unrest among users who were used to accessing the feature through the button.
The change applies to all Twitter users who cannot send messages to other accounts directly from their profile page. Initially, it was brushed off as a simple bug but the platform revealed that it was intentional.
However, Twitter has guaranteed that the Direct Message feature is still accessible. They can tap on the user’s profile and then select Message or jump to the Messages tab on the bottom navigation bar.
It is working on launching new features and improving existing ones.
Why did Twitter remove the Direct Message option?
Twitter was actively working on improving its DM feature which was popular among regular Twitter users. The platform had launched exciting updates that enabled users to send and receive photos and videos through DMs.
Users even could schedule DMs. So the absence of the DM feature from the top navigation bar came as a shock to many people. The “DM” button used to be placed next to the follow and notification buttons, but Twitter has removed it without providing any alternative.
The change is designed to make the interface more intuitive and efficient. Ever since Elon Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of the company, the platform has undergone countless changes.
Many of them have arisen due to an urgent need to reduce costs. With Musk at the helm, the company is focusing on making Twitter more user-friendly.
Can users still access the Direct Message feature?
Direct Message (DM) is certainly available on the web version of Twitter but users on Android and many iOS users too. According to reports from the 9to5Mac team, some iPhone users can still access it while others can’t use it.
Other reports have revealed that an account logged in from an Android phone is unable to access DM but the option still exists for the same account on an iPhone.
Meanwhile, some of them have reported that the button has disappeared. As Twitter is under constant change and scrutiny, some users hope to see it back on the site. Until then, users are advised to use the feature by searching for the account they want to text in the messages tab.
In recent times, Twitter also reset the prices for its Blue subscription program now available for $11/month on Android and iOS. Users can edit tweets, add customizations, and have blue ticks placed near their handles.
The price for the web version remains $8 a month. The revision in prices was announced right after the platform spoke of releasing a zero advertisement subscription for its users who frequently complain about the number of ads they see.
In addition, Twitter has also changed its timeline display. Instead of Home and Latest, it now has For You and Following respectively which also receive snarky comments from users who prefer the chronological feed over the algorithmic.
The change temporarily shifted its focus to the latter which outraged users compelling Twitter to introduce another change to the timeline. Users can retain the timeline they were using the next time they log in to the platform.
Direct Message FAQ
Why can’t I send Direct Messages?
The maximum limit for sending Direct Messages every day is 500. Once the limit is crossed, a user is unable to send any more messages to other accounts.
What are Direct Messages?
Direct Messages are private messages sent from one Twitter account to another and they are visible to the public.
