Twitter Now Offers Ability to Send Direct Messages to Anyone

The move could benefit brands and businesses by improving interaction with customers on the platform.

Twitter has introduced a new feature that allows users to opt-in to receive direct messages from anyone on the site, not just followers, in a move that could be especially beneficial to businesses.

Traditionally, direct messages could be sent only if both users followed each other. This made it hard for those who wished to share information with a company on the site without having to do so publically.

As such, the forlorn request of “Can you follow me please?” has often been seen on the site. However, the changes introduced by Twitter will mean that anyone – brands or individuals – can receive direct messages without needing to follow that person.

Twitter senior software engineer Nhu Vuong explained in a blog post why the firm had made the update.

“Previously, if you wanted to send a direct message to the ice cream shop down the street about how much you love their salted caramel flavor, you’d have to ask them to follow you first,” he said.

“With today’s changes, the ice cream shop can opt to receive direct messages from anyone; so you can privately send your appreciation for the salted caramel without any barriers.”

The ice cream example may be a little twee, but there are undoubtedly benefits for businesses with this update, as it will make it easier for customers to get in touch with complaints and queries in a private way, thereby improving interaction.

Furthermore, as part of the update Twitter has also introduced a setting that allows users to reply to any direct messages, regardless of whether they are being followed by that person.

Again, this could benefit brands by allowing them to reply to customers who contact them via direct messages without having to follow them first, helping to improve response times.

Users can opt-in to direct messages from all via the small “cog” icon. The option to toggle the feature on or off is under the privacy heading.

This article was originally published on V3.

Subscribe to get your daily business insights

Whitepapers

US Mobile Streaming Behavior
Whitepaper | Mobile

US Mobile Streaming Behavior

5y

US Mobile Streaming Behavior

Streaming has become a staple of US media-viewing habits. Streaming video, however, still comes with a variety of pesky frustrations that viewers are ...

View resource
Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics for Media Groups
Whitepaper | Analyzing Customer Data

Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics for Media Groups

5y

Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics f...

Data is the lifeblood of so many companies today. You need more of it, all of which at higher quality, and all the meanwhile being compliant with data...

View resource
Learning to win the talent war: how digital marketing can develop its people
Whitepaper | Digital Marketing

Learning to win the talent war: how digital marketing can develop its peopl...

2y

Learning to win the talent war: how digital market...

This report documents the findings of a Fireside chat held by ClickZ in the first quarter of 2022. It provides expert insight on how companies can ret...

View resource
Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy
Report | Digital Transformation

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy

1m

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Exp...

Customers decide fast, influenced by only 2.5 touchpoints – globally! Make sure your brand shines in those critical moments. Read More...

View resource