Meta Expands AI Direct Messaging to Threads Users Worldwide
Users can now query Meta AI privately via direct messages, though blocking the AI in public feeds remains restricted.
Meta has officially launched private direct messaging capabilities for Meta AI on Threads, expanding the assistant’s reach to users across the globe. The update allows individuals to initiate one-on-one conversations with the artificial intelligence tool directly within their inbox, rather than interacting with it on public feeds.
Through the new direct messaging integration, Threads users can share posts, photos, links, and videos directly with Meta AI. The assistant can answer follow-up questions, offer contextual insights, and break down complex topics in a private conversational thread without broadcasting interactions to followers.
The global rollout aligns Threads with the rest of Meta’s application ecosystem, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, where Meta AI is already built into private messaging features. Meta has been aggressively deploying its generative AI tools across its software suite to boost user engagement and keep pace with rival platforms like X, which offers its own native AI assistant, Grok.
While direct messaging is now accessible globally, Meta is continuing to test public feed interactions for Meta AI in five limited markets: Argentina, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. In those specific regions, users can view public posts generated by the AI assistant and mention the official account using @meta.ai.
User control over the assistant remains limited. Meta still does not allow account holders to fully block the Meta AI profile. However, users who prefer not to see its automated content can select the “not interested” feedback option or mute its replies.
