Twitter users will now be able to send direct messages from other users regardless if they follow each other or not. The move is part of the popular micro blogging site to boost user growth.
The direct message system will allow users to send messages privately, without the need to “follow”. Twitter mentions that the direct messages will operate for anyone who chooses to opt in to the feature. The feature is aimed at celebrities or companies who will now be able to respond to messages without having to establish a connection first.
Users can activate the feature by clicking on the option of 'Receive Direct Messages from anyone' in the security and privacy settings on Twitter.com, while iOS and Android OS users will be able to see a direct message button on their profiles.
Twitter announced, “Direct Messages are the best way to take your public Twitter conversations private. Today, we’re changing how direct messaging works so that it’s even easier for you to communicate one-to-one or with a chosen group of people, anywhere in the world”.
Twitter further added, "We're rolling out these changes starting today to all users around the world. And we have lots more in the works to improve Direct Messages on Twitter, so that the private side of Twitter is just as fulfilling as the public side. We continue to invest in our private channel to lay the foundation for a powerful and engaging messaging experience," Twitter said in a blog post.
The micro blogging site recently revamped its home page to engage non-users. The revamped site allows non users to check out the latest tweets or posts about their favorite topics without having to sign in. Earlier this year, the company launched group direct messaging and 30-second videos where users can shoot, edit and post their own videos from within the app.
Source: Twitter