As you ponder “how to DM in Twitter”, the popular social media platform has made a significant change, aiming to incentivize its budding paid subscription model, Twitter Blue. By doing so, Twitter has now altered the settings of users with open DMs, essentially restricting non-Twitter Blue subscribers from messaging these users, thereby transforming their DMs into a Twitter Blue promotion.
It was on Friday that Twitter initiated the roll-out of this innovative setting adjustment for Direct Messages on its platform. Prior to this change, Twitter patrons had a binary choice: either to allow every Twitter user to send them messages or to limit the messaging privilege to those they followed. In the latter scenario, the DM button surfaced only for users who were being followed.
Starting as soon as July 14th, we’re adding a new messages setting that should help reduce the number of spam messages in DMs. With the new setting enabled, messages from users who you follow will arrive in your primary inbox, and messages from verified users who you don’t follow…
— Support (@Support) July 13, 2023
This recent introduction presents a third alternative, enabling users to receive DMs solely from users they follow and those bearing the coveted verified tag on Twitter. This feature might have been beneficial during the era of the previous verification system, which consisted primarily of renowned celebrities, professional athletes, and other media personalities. Yet, in the context of Elon Musk’s Twitter, it practically denotes that any individual willing to shell out $8 per month for Twitter Blue can now directly message a user.
“Starting as soon as July 14th, we’re adding a new messages setting that should help reduce the number of spam messages in DMs. With the new setting enabled, messages from users who you follow will arrive in your primary inbox, and messages from verified users who you don’t follow will be sent to your message request inbox.”
Some took this announcement as an admission from Twitter that even Twitter Blue users can spam even though Musk has promoted the paid subscription as the way for the company to curb such behavior. Twitter’s DM system provides users with two inboxes. A primary one, which is the main inbox, and a secondary message request inbox, which requires an additional click to get to. Most messages from individuals that a user does not know or follow go to that message request folder. However, that appears to be a misread of the announcement.
In fact, the new feature is intentionally set up in a way to promote Twitter Blue and urges users to sign up for it. With this option turned on, the DM message button still appears for all users. When a user who you are not following and isn’t subscribed to Twitter Blue attempts to message you, they receive a prompt urging them to subscribe to Twitter Blue.
Twitter DMs had an update. You have to go into settings & adjust your DM status to being open to all people including nonverified, but everyone's DMs have been switched to only allowing verified users message them.
Meaning we all have to manually switch it back! pic.twitter.com/k1VOXXZTZw
— ChudsOfTikTok 𓅜 🐀 (@ChudsOfTikTok) July 15, 2023
A section of observers interpreted this disclosure as Twitter’s indirect acknowledgment that even Twitter Blue users could potentially spam, a contradiction to Musk’s portrayal of the paid subscription as a mechanism to inhibit such activities. Notably, Twitter’s DM system offers two inboxes to its users: a primary inbox, serving as the principal message receiving center, and a secondary message request inbox that necessitates an extra click to access. Messages from unfamiliar or non-followed individuals typically land in the latter. This announcement, however, seems to have been misconstrued.
Indeed, this new feature has been purposefully crafted to stimulate interest in Twitter Blue, encouraging users to enroll. With this setting activated, the DM message button remains visible to all users. However, if an individual, who isn’t followed by you or isn’t a Twitter Blue subscriber, attempts to message you, they encounter a prompt endorsing Twitter Blue subscription.
“Get verified to message this user,” the Twitter message reads. “Only verified users can send Direct Message requests to people that don’t follow them. Sign up for Twitter Blue to continue.”
Some Twitter enthusiasts noticed this change even without reading Twitter’s announcement, as they experienced a dip in the volume of their DMs. Adding to the complexity of this new choice, Twitter preemptively adopted it as the default option for all users who had previously set their preferences to accept DMs from all Twitter users.
“Users who previously had their permissions set to allow message requests from everyone will be migrated to this new setting, but can switch back at any time,” a tweet from @TwitterSupport informs.
Thus, with this shift, Twitter has effectively converted every user’s direct messages into an advertisement for Twitter Blue.
How to DM in Twitter after the new rules?
As we delve deeper into “how to DM in Twitter,” it’s worth noting that Twitter allows users to revert the aforementioned change. However, users need to recognize that the change has occurred in the first place. If you’re perusing this guide, you’re on the right path.
Here’s how you can restore the settings and prevent Twitter from using your account to promote its paid subscription plan:
- Sign in to your Twitter account and navigate to Direct Messages. On the web version, it’s labeled as “Messages” in the menu. If you’re on Twitter’s mobile apps, look for the envelope icon in the menu bar.
- In the primary inbox page, find the gear icon situated in the upper right-hand corner and click it to access your settings.
- Here, you’ll see the three messaging options Twitter offers. Select the one that aligns best with your preference. The “allow messages from Verified users only” option is the new addition that advocates Twitter Blue to those who try to contact you.
Please note that some users have reported that the changes don’t always save. We recommend navigating away from the DM settings page and then returning to verify that your modifications have been saved.
If you’re on a web browser, here’s how to send a DM in Twitter:
- Click “Messages” in the navigation bar on the left of your screen.
- Click “New message.”
- In the address box, input the name(s) or @username(s) of the recipients (you can include up to 50 people in group messages).
- Click “Next.”
- Type your message in the message box and send.
If you’re using an Apple or Android device, here’s how to send a DM in Twitter:
- Tap the envelope icon in the Twitter app.
- Tap the message icon to create a new message.
- In the address box, type the name(s) or username(s) of your intended recipients. Remember, group messages can contain up to 50 people.
- Enter your message and send.
If you want to send a GIF, video, or photo through direct messages in Twitter:
- Tap the photo icon (you can take a new photo or record a video using your phone, or attach an existing photo from your library).
- To send a GIF, tap the GIF icon. Browse for a GIF, select it, and send.
You can also pin direct messages:
- Go to your “Direct Message” inbox.
- Tap on the conversation you want to pin.
- Select “Pin Conversation.”
Your pinned message will now appear at the top of your direct messages.
Featured image credit: ilgmyzin/Unsplash
