How to dm people on twitter

Overview

Twitter Direct Messages (DMs) offer a private way to communicate with other users on the platform. Unlike tweets, which are public and visible to anyone, DMs are only visible to the sender and the recipient(s). This makes them ideal for personal conversations, sharing information privately, or coordinating with specific individuals or groups.

How to Send a Direct Message on Twitter (Desktop)

Sending a DM on the Twitter desktop website is straightforward.

1. Access Messages: Look for the 'Messages' tab in the left-hand sidebar. It's usually represented by an envelope icon.
2. Start a New Conversation: Click on the 'New Message' icon, which typically looks like a plus sign within a speech bubble or a pen icon, located at the top of your message list.
3. Select Recipient(s): In the search bar that appears, type the username (@handle) of the person you want to message. You can add multiple recipients to create a group DM.
4. Compose Your Message: Once you've selected your recipient(s), a message field will appear. Type your message here. You can also attach media like photos, videos, or GIFs by clicking the relevant icons below the message field.
5. Send: After composing your message, click the 'Send' button (often an airplane icon) to deliver your DM.

How to Send a Direct Message on Twitter (Mobile App)

The process on the Twitter mobile app is very similar.

1. Access Messages: Tap the envelope icon located in the bottom navigation bar. This will take you to your message inbox.
2. Start a New Conversation: Tap the compose icon (usually a plus sign or a pen icon) within the messages screen.
3. Select Recipient(s): Search for the username (@handle) of the person you wish to message. You can add multiple users for a group DM.
4. Compose Your Message: Type your message in the provided text box. You can add photos, videos, GIFs, and emojis using the icons below the text field.
5. Send: Tap the 'Send' button to dispatch your message.

Understanding Twitter DM Settings and Privacy

Twitter provides users with control over who can send them Direct Messages. By default, if you follow someone, they can DM you, and if they follow you, you can DM them. However, users can adjust their privacy settings:

• Receive Messages from Anyone: You can choose to allow Direct Messages from anyone, regardless of whether you follow them or they follow you. This setting can be found in your account's privacy settings. To enable this: Go to 'Settings and privacy' > 'Privacy and safety' > 'Direct Messages'. Toggle on 'Allow message requests from anyone'.
• Message Requests: When someone you don't follow sends you a DM (and you have 'Allow message requests from anyone' enabled), it will typically go into a 'Message Requests' folder. You can then choose to accept the request (turning it into a regular DM conversation) or decline it.
• Blocking Users: If you wish to stop receiving messages from a specific user, you can block them. Blocking a user prevents them from following you or sending you DMs.

What You Can Send in a DM

Direct Messages are versatile and allow for more than just text:

• Text: Standard text messages.
• Photos and Videos: Upload and share media directly.
• GIFs: Express yourself with animated GIFs.
• Links: Share URLs to websites or other content.
• Emojis: Add emoticons to your messages.
• Voice Messages: On some mobile versions, you can record and send voice messages.

DM Character Limit

While tweets are limited to 280 characters, Twitter significantly increases the character limit for Direct Messages. You can send DMs of up to 10,000 characters, allowing for much longer and more detailed private conversations.

Best Practices for Using Twitter DMs

• Be Mindful of Privacy: Remember that DMs are private, but they are not unhackable. Avoid sharing highly sensitive personal information.
• Respect User Settings: If someone has their DM settings set to only receive messages from people they follow, respect that choice.
• Keep it Concise (Usually): Even with a higher character limit, getting straight to the point is often appreciated.
• Check for Typos: Just like any message, proofread before sending.
• Use Group DMs Wisely: Ensure all members of a group DM are relevant to the conversation.

By understanding how to use Twitter DMs effectively and respecting privacy settings, you can enhance your communication on the platform.