Meta is testing a Threads on web redesign that finally adds direct messaging, a feature missing since the app’s June 2023 launch. The update, previewed by Threads head Connor Hayes, introduces a streamlined layout with a left-rail menu for saved posts, insights, activity, and feed navigation. Previously, these tools required convoluted steps, like accessing a user’s profile to view insights. The Threads inbox, long absent from the web version, will now appear, unifying the experience across platforms.

The redesign addresses longstanding user frustration. While the app gained features like disappearing "ghost posts," web users could only view—not create—these. The new interface prioritizes accessibility, with Hayes stating Meta will "invest more here going forward." This marks the first major Threads web overhaul since April 2023, which added basic functionality but lacked polish.

The changes come as Meta shifts focus to the Threads app, where mobile updates like indented replies for clearer conversations are rolling out. iOS users already see the tweaks, while Android testing continues. These adjustments aim to improve engagement but highlight the platform’s uneven development.

The social media app overhaul underscores Meta’s struggle to compete with rivals like X. By prioritizing web usability and core features, Threads seeks to retain users amid a crowded market. However, inconsistent rollouts and delayed features risk further alienating early adopters.