Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) users can now choose to accept direct messages from any other Twitter user. Earlier the feature was there for a certain part of Twitter’s user base but was never there for general use.
Previously, to receive direct messages one had to follow the user whose message was desired. The setting made it difficult to communicate privately. For journalists, there was also the risk of leaking one’s sources. However, the option to receive direct messages from non-followers is not default. Therefore, the user will have to change settings manually to enable the option.
Earlier only some Twitter users could enable a setting that would allow direct messaging from anyone. But now, the feature is available to any Twitter user. The messaging rules are also being updated to enable reply to incoming Direct Messages. Following is no longer needed to respond to Direct Messages.
Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) has been trying to improve its Direct Messaging. The development comes in light of SnapChat and WhatsApp increasing their user base and user engagement. By restructuring its private messaging Twitter, hopes to increase its user base. Twitter has made changes like support for group Direct Message and an ability to share public tweets via Direct Message.
The move is seen as Twitter’s answer to the growing popularity of services like WhatsApp. By allowing group Direct Messaging Twitter hopes to increase its user base and stave off competition by WhatsApp and SnapChat. WhatsApp has 800 million users while Twitter has 288 million monthly actives.
The new feature can also be used by businesses. Customers can now give private feedbacks without following the business. It allows the customers to send Direct Messages without making their thoughts public. The move to allow Direct Messaging can also increase Twitter’s users who register for accounts.
The user who has switched on the Direct Messages from anyone setting can still block spammers and abusers in order to block undesirable tweets.
