On Tuesday, Twitter rolled out the new Message button, which enables users of the microblogging site to share their tweets privately.
"Starting today, you'll notice something new on Tweets - a Message button. With this new feature, it's simple to share a tweet via Direct Message and spark a private conversation," notes Somas Thyagaraja, a Twitter product manager. "So now - in just a few taps - you can share unique Twitter content from your timeline right into your private conversation."
What prompted Twitter to bring about this new feature, you wonder? The fact that millions of people deploy its Direct Messages feature to interact privately with family, friends, brands and other entities was an inspiration for the site.
The statistics do not belie the popularity of this mode of communication either, as Twitter reveals that the number of messages sent grew more than 60 percent in 2015. Moreover, tweets shared by users privately saw a faster growth by comparison - 200 percent in H2 2015.
The immense interest in this mode of communication was the precursor for Twitter to take the plunge and launch the new Message button. This, coupled with the suggestion of several users that sharing a tweet through Direct Message would be helpful, prompted the company to create the feature for its app.
Previously, users looking to share a DM or Direct Message had to long-press a tweet on their timeline (if using the mobile application for Twitter) or tapping the "••• More" icon below a tweet (on TweetDeck or Twitter.com) and then select the "Share via Direct Message" option.
Now, sharing tweets privately with followers has become simpler. But how exactly do you use the new Message button?
How To Use The Message Button
Important: Update your Twitter app for iOS or Android before setting out to use the feature.
Step 1: Zone-in on the Tweet you wish to share.
Step 2: Click on the envelope-like icon below the selected tweet. The icon is placed to the right of the heart.
Step 3: Next, select the group or individual you wish to send the tweet to from the available options.
Step 4: Once the group or person has been selected, add a comment - if you wish to - or simply hit send!
You have successfully shared the tweet privately!
The new Message button feature is now available for Twitter app users on Android and iOS. Updating your app will enable you to gain access to the Message button. Unfortunately, Twitter has not made the Message button available for the Web version yet.
