Summary
Table of Contents
Threads, Meta’s rising text-first social platform, has introduced a much-awaited feature: photo DMs. This move draws a direct comparison to Instagram, another Meta-owned app known for its visual messaging features. As Threads matures and grows its user base, many are questioning whether it could actually become a better platform than Instagram for certain types of social interaction. This article explores the new photo DMs update in Threads, how it compares to Instagram, and what it means for the future of both platforms.
Introduction: The Evolution of Meta’s Messaging Platforms
In recent months, Meta has aggressively pushed updates to Threads to keep it relevant and competitive in the fast-paced social media landscape. Initially launched as a “Twitter alternative” with an emphasis on text-first communication, Threads is slowly evolving into a more versatile platform.
The addition of photo DMs marks a pivotal shift in its strategy. By enabling users to privately share photos in direct messages, Threads is now tapping into Instagram’s domain—visual engagement. This raises the all-important question: Is Threads becoming better than Instagram?
Let’s explore how this new photo DM feature stacks up, and whether Threads is ready to challenge its sister app.
Threads’ Photo DMs Feature Explained
Meta has rolled out Threads Photo DMs, allowing users to send and receive photos directly in private conversations. This is a massive leap for a platform that started without any private messaging at all. Unlike Instagram, Threads originally focused on public conversations and microblogging-style threads.
With this new feature:
- Users can now send images as direct replies.
- The UI mirrors a minimalist version of Instagram DMs.
- It supports high-resolution image sharing with no compression loss.
- Threads Photo DMs support disappearing photo messages in beta.
This strategic addition is a step toward enhancing engagement and giving users more reasons to stay on the app rather than jumping to Instagram for private interactions.
How Threads Is Shaping Up Against Instagram in 2025
When you compare Threads vs Instagram in 2025, the battle lines are more defined than ever. While Instagram remains the go-to platform for visual storytelling, influencers, and curated content, Threads is now appealing to users who prefer real-time, authentic, conversational communication.
Key differences:
- Threads offers simpler, faster navigation and less algorithm-driven clutter.
- Instagram is heavy on reels, ads, and influencer culture.
- Threads is building a more text- and discussion-centric community, with photo DMs as a supplement rather than a focus.
So, while Instagram is still more feature-rich, Threads is carving out a niche space for users who are tired of the “performance pressure” Instagram often creates.
User Reactions to Threads Photo DMs
The launch of photo DMs in Threads has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from its user base. Many users see this as a signal that Meta is listening to community demands.
Threads user feedback highlights:
- The simplicity of the feature.
- High-quality image sharing.
- Less spam and fewer ads compared to Instagram DMs.
- Requests for more features like video DMs and stickers.
This update has also sparked organic virality across social media platforms, with users sharing screenshots of their Threads photo DMs and urging others to switch from Instagram.
Security and Privacy: How Threads Handles Your Images
An important concern with any messaging update is privacy. Meta has faced criticism in the past for how it handles data across apps, so the spotlight is now on the Threads privacy policy.
What we know:
- Threads uses end-to-end encryption for private messages (as of July 2025).
- Shared photos are not stored permanently on Meta’s servers if sent via disappearing mode.
- Threads does not scan private messages for ad targeting (unlike Facebook Messenger).
This approach gives Threads a strong edge in the debate around secure and ethical messaging.
Visual Sharing on Threads: A New Social Norm?
With the rise of Threads visual messaging, the platform is slowly reshaping how users connect. Threads wasn’t built for photo sharing originally, so this update is influencing user behavior in unexpected ways.
Changes observed:
- Users now create mini photo threads for storytelling.
- Some influencers are testing Threads for more candid content.
- Threads’ clean design helps photos stand out, unlike Instagram’s busy interface.
This shift could create a new kind of social media etiquette—less curated, more spontaneous—and gives Threads a personality distinct from Instagram.
Impact on Influencers and Content Creators
The influencer and creator economy thrives on visuals. So how does this feature affect them? Threads for creators is still in its infancy, but photo DMs open the door to new engagement strategies.
Benefits for creators:
- Private photo drops for fans.
- Limited-access image previews of upcoming content.
- Authentic, direct engagement that isn’t public or performative.
While Instagram still dominates in monetization tools, Threads is winning points for transparency and less algorithmic interference.
Comparison Table: Threads vs Instagram Photo Messaging
| Feature | Threads | |
|---|---|---|
| DM Photos | ✅ New Feature | ✅ Established |
| Encryption | ✅ End-to-end | ❌ Partial |
| Ads in DMs | ❌ None | ✅ Yes |
| Disappearing Media | ✅ Beta | ✅ Yes |
| Image Quality | ✅ High-Res | ❌ Compressed |
| Creator Tools | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Extensive |
Threads is catching up fast. While not as polished, its privacy-first approach and simplicity are attractive to a growing segment of users.
The Bigger Picture: Meta’s Internal App Rivalry
The addition of photo DMs highlights a bigger question: Is Meta cannibalizing its own platforms? With both Threads and Instagram under its umbrella, Meta is essentially competing with itself.
According to experts:
- Meta wants to segment its user base: Threads for conversation, Instagram for visuals.
- Overlap exists, but Threads is attracting users tired of Instagram’s hyper-curated culture.
- Meta’s social media strategy is to keep users within the ecosystem, even if they switch apps.
So while it may look like internal competition, it’s actually a clever retention plan.
Future Updates: What’s Coming After Photo DMs?
Meta has hinted at several upcoming additions in the Threads feature roadmap, including:
- Video DMs and live video chats.
- Group chat functionality.
- Integration with Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
- Monetization options for creators and influencers.
If implemented well, these updates will solidify Threads as a hybrid between Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram—with a focus on simplicity and authenticity.
Conclusion: Is Threads Really Better Than Instagram Now?
So, is Threads better than Instagram after adding photo DMs?
Yes—and no.
For users craving authentic conversation and meaningful private interaction, Threads is absolutely on the rise. It’s leaner, less cluttered, and now with photo DMs, it feels much more complete.
But for visual creators, marketers, and reel-watchers, Instagram still holds the crown—at least for now. Meta’s dual-platform approach means both apps will likely coexist with different purposes.
If Threads continues evolving at this pace, it may very well redefine what social media looks like in the second half of the decade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Threads Photo DMs?
Threads Photo DMs allow users to privately share images in direct messages on the Threads app, similar to Instagram’s messaging feature.
2. Are Threads DMs encrypted?
Yes, Threads supports end-to-end encryption for DMs, making it safer for private conversations compared to Instagram.
3. Can I send disappearing photos in Threads?
Yes, disappearing photo messages are available in beta mode and expected to be rolled out broadly soon.
4. Is Threads better than Instagram?
It depends on usage. Threads is better for private, authentic communication, while Instagram is better for creators and visual content sharing.
5. Can influencers use Threads effectively?
Yes, while Threads lacks monetization tools, influencers can build direct, non-performative relationships with followers using features like photo DMs.
