Twitter just made it that much easier to send direct messages.
As of Tuesday, the social media network has equipped tweets with a new message button, allowing users to share a tweet via direct message, sparking an instant conversation. Hmm ... we wonder what Facebook Messenger thinks about this.
The updated feature will allow Twitter's users to share unique content from their timeline right into their private conversation, all via a few taps.
As part of its blog to make the announcement, the company said it decided to take steps toward a more seamless direct message experience after learning just how widespread their use is and continues to be on a daily basis.
"Every day, millions of people send Direct Messages to communicate privately with friends, family, experts, brands, and anyone else they find interesting on Twitter. In fact, we've seen the number of messages sent grow over 60 percent in 2015. And the number of Tweets shared privately has grown even faster, at 200 percent in just the second half of last year," part of its announcement said.
Twitter says the update gradually came along the lines as a next step in making DMs that much of a richer experience for users. Prior to simpler private conversations right from your timeline, the company had beefed up DMs, giving users the ability to incorporate GIFs, emojis and longer private messages, even enabling them to connect with groups and reach out to customer service more easily.
Twitters users can find the new message button on their tweets today on the iOS and Android versions of the social media network's app. However, tapping on the button will require users to download the updated version of their app first.
It's a big day for Twitter, with the company also announcing that it reached a deal with the National Football League to stream 10 Thursday Night Football games during the 2016 season this fall.
"This is about transforming the fan experience with football. People watch NFL games with Twitter today," Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said as part of the league's announcement. "Now they'll be able to watch right on Twitter Thursday nights."
