Bluesky DMs launched: Users can now send, receive direct messages

According to NamePepper, a website that tracks apps' user base, Bluesky currently has over 5.6 million users globally.

Web Desk - May 23, 2024

An undated image displaying Bluesky logo. — Bluesky

Bluesky, a microblogging platform like X (formerly Twitter), has finally allowed its users to send and receive direct messages with a new update rolled out today.

Blue sky social media app brings DMs

Launched last year to compete and come on par with Elon Musk-owned X (formerly Twitter), the integration of DMs indicates that social media platform is dedicated to keep up with the evolving trends in the landscape of social media platforms.

Bluesky DM type

“These are private one-to-one messages directly within the Bluesky app. By default, your permissions allow anyone you follow to DM you. You can change these settings to allow no one or anyone to message you,” Bluesky explained.

The only prerequisite to gain access to the Bluesky DMs is that both the sender and the recipient of the platform to have the latest version (1.83) of the app installed on their devices.

In a bid to hand extensive control of who can and cannot send DMs, the update also lets users restrict their DMs only to the people they follow, ensuring that users don't get bothered by strangers' messages landing in their DMs.

Moreover, users can also turn off notification sounds for DMs. Since its DMs only support the text messages, the company says that it's up to enhance messaging experience by letting users exchange media, create group chats, while having E2EE encryption support anti-harassment tools.