How to dm on twitter
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Last updated: April 4, 2026
Key Facts
- Direct Messages (DMs) allow private conversations between Twitter users.
- You can send DMs to anyone, regardless of whether you follow them, if they have their privacy settings configured to allow messages from everyone.
- Twitter DMs can include text, photos, videos, GIFs, and links.
- Group DMs allow you to message multiple people simultaneously.
- Twitter's DM feature was first introduced in 2013.
What are Twitter Direct Messages (DMs)?
Twitter Direct Messages, commonly known as DMs, are private messages exchanged between Twitter users. Unlike tweets, which are public and visible to anyone on the platform, DMs are only visible to the sender and the recipient(s). This feature allows for one-on-one or group conversations that are not broadcast to the wider Twitter feed.
How to Send a Direct Message on Twitter (Desktop)
Sending a DM on the Twitter desktop website is a straightforward process. Look for the "Messages" icon, which typically resembles an envelope, in the left-hand navigation menu. Clicking this icon will take you to your inbox, where you can see all your existing DM conversations. To start a new message, click the "New message" button, usually located at the top of the message list. A search bar will appear, allowing you to find the Twitter handle (username) of the person you want to message. Type their username and select them from the search results. Once the conversation window opens, type your message in the text field at the bottom and press Enter or click the send button. You can also attach photos, videos, GIFs, and links to your DMs.
How to Send a Direct Message on Twitter (Mobile App)
The process is very similar on the Twitter mobile application (available for iOS and Android). On the main timeline screen, tap the envelope icon, which is usually located in the bottom navigation bar. This will lead you to your messages inbox. To initiate a new DM, tap the "New message" icon (often a plus sign or a quill icon within a message bubble), typically found in the top right corner of the messages screen. Search for the user you wish to contact by their username and select them. A new message window will appear. Compose your message, add any desired media attachments, and tap the send button.
Managing Your DM Settings
Twitter offers several settings to manage who can send you DMs. By default, users can send DMs to people they follow and who follow them back. However, you can adjust these settings to allow DMs from anyone. To do this on the desktop, go to "More" (three dots) in the left navigation menu, then "Settings and privacy," followed by "Privacy and safety." Under the "Direct Messages" section, you'll find an option like "Receive messages from anyone." On the mobile app, navigate to "Settings and privacy" (under your profile menu), then "Privacy and safety," and finally "Direct Messages" to find the same setting.
Group Direct Messages
Twitter also supports group DMs, allowing you to communicate with multiple users at once. To create a group DM, start a new message as you normally would. After searching for and selecting the first user, you can then add more users to the conversation by clicking or tapping the "Add" or "+" button within the message composition window. This is useful for coordinating plans or having private discussions with a team or group of friends. Each member of the group can see and respond to the messages, and notifications will be sent to all participants.
What You Can Send in DMs
Direct Messages are versatile and can contain more than just text. You can send:
- Text messages
- Photos
- Videos
- Animated GIFs
- Links to tweets, articles, or websites
- Voice messages (on some mobile versions)
The character limit for text in DMs is generally higher than for public tweets, offering more room for detailed conversations.
Privacy and Safety Considerations
While DMs are private, it's still important to be mindful of your online interactions. You can block users from sending you DMs or reporting abusive messages. If you receive unwanted messages, you can adjust your DM settings to "Receive messages from anyone" off to limit who can contact you privately. Always be cautious about sharing personal information in DMs, just as you would in any online communication.
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Sources
- Direct Messages - Twitter Help Centerfair-use
- Twitter - WikipediaCC-BY-SA-4.0
- How To Send A DM On Twitterfair-use
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