How to Direct Message on Twitter? Step-by-Step Guide

Twitter's direct messages, more affectionately known as DMs, offer a more private channel for conversation, away from the public eye.

But it may feel overwhelming to figure out the settings, understand who you can message, and what the tiny icons mean.

Especially if you're new to Twitter or even if you've been around a while but never used DMs – the whole idea can be a little daunting.

This guide will take you by the hand and walk you through every step of the way. So, let's get started.

What is a Twitter DM, anyway?

A Twitter Direct Message, or DM for short, is a private communication feature within the Twitter platform that allows users to send messages directly to one another. Unlike public tweets that are visible to everyone and appear on user timelines, Twitter DMs only appear in the inboxes of the sender and the recipient(s).

Here's a quick breakdown of what makes Twitter DMs unique:

• Privacy: DMs are shielded from public view, which means that your conversations remain strictly between you and the intended recipient(s), providing an extra layer of privacy compared to traditional tweets and replies.
• One-to-One or Group Conversations: Twitter DMs enable you to message a single user or multiple users in a group. This flexibility allows for more personal connections or private discussions among a select group.
• Multimedia Support: Similar to public tweets, DMs allow you to share various forms of media, including images, GIFs, and videos, which can help enrich your conversations and make them more engaging.

DMs offer a valuable alternative for people who want more private interactions on Twitter, whether for personal purposes, resolving issues, or simply catering to a preference for more intimate conversations.

What is the Current Twitter DM Character Limit?

Today, Twitter has significantly expanded the character limit for its Direct Messages. Unlike the well-known 280-character limit for tweets, when you're sending a DM on Twitter, you have a generous allowance of up to 10,000 characters per message.

What does this mean for you?

It means you have a roughly equivalent space of 1,400-2,000 words, depending on word length - more than twice the length of your average op-ed or blog post! This enables more in-depth and detailed conversations within DMs, which could be an excellent opportunity for customer service, advice sharing, or simply engaging in detailed discussions without worrying about running out of space.

Can You DM Someone Who Doesn't Follow You on Twitter?

In an effort to limit spam messages, Twitter changed their policy regarding Direct Messages (DMs). This change restricts the ability to send direct messages to users who are not following you, unless you are a Blue subscriber.

Twitter Blue, a key revenue diversification initiative from Twitter, provides some additional features to its subscribers, including the ability to send DMs to users even if they do not follow them.

For regular users, this means that unless the individual you're attempting to message is following you, you won't be able to send a DM. However, with a Twitter Blue subscription, you have the freedom to send direct messages to any user, regardless of whether or not they follow you.

How to DM on Twitter? Step-By-Step Guide

Sending someone a Direct Message (DM) on Twitter is straightforward. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

On Desktop

1. Log in to your Twitter account.
2. Click on the Messages tab from the menu on the left-hand side.
3. In the Messages tab, click on the New Message button.
4. Begin typing the username of the person you want to send a DM to in the search bar that says "Search for people" and select from the dropdown list.
5. Write your message in the box below and click "Send."

On Mobile (iOS and Android)

1. Open the Twitter app and log in to your account.
2. Tap on the envelope icon in the bottom right corner.
3. Tap on the message icon (+) in the bottom right corner.
4. Begin typing the username of the person you want to send a DM to in the search bar that says "Search for people" and select from the dropdown list.
5. Type your message in the field "Start a new message," then tap Send.

Remember, you can only DM a Twitter user who either follows you or has their DM settings open to receive messages from anyone. Be mindful when messaging someone, especially if you don't have a prior relationship — knowing and respecting the etiquette of DMs is essential in creating positive connections on Twitter.

Always keep your interactions respectful and engaging, and you're on your way to mastering the art of Twitter DMs.

How do you save Twitter DM videos on your PC?

HighPerformr provides an efficient tool known as AI X Twitter Video Downloader, allowing you to download Twitter videos easily, including those in direct messages (DMs). Here's how it works:

Step 1: Enter Video URL

First, you need the Twitter video URL you want to download. To get this:

1. Open the Twitter DM that contains the video.
2. Click on the video to open it in a new window.
3. Copy the URL from the address bar.
4. Head over to AI X Twitter Video Downloader and paste the Twitter video link you've just copied into the appropriate field titled "Enter Video URL".

Step 2: Preview the Video:

Once you've pasted the link, the tool gives you the convenience of previewing the video before you commence the download. This helps to confirm that the chosen video is indeed what you'd like to download.

Step 3: Download & Enjoy

After verifying the video to your satisfaction, click the 'Download' button. The video will be saved onto your device and available for your offline viewing pleasure.

Remember, respecting copyright and privacy rights when downloading videos from Twitter DMs is crucial. Always seek the necessary permissions before downloading and sharing any content.

How do you save Twitter DM videos on mobile?

To save videos that have been shared via Direct Message (DM) on Twitter to your mobile device, follow the steps as indicated below:

Using In-App Features

Sometimes, you can download videos through the Twitter app[^1^]. Follow these steps:

1. Open your Twitter app and go to the DM containing the video you want to save.
2. Tap on the video to open it in full screen.
3. Tap on the Share button and select "Save Video." (If the "Save Video" option does not appear, it unfortunately means you can't download the video using this native feature).

Using Third-Party Tools

If you do not have the "Save Video" option, you can still attempt to save the video using third-party applications that allow you to download content from Twitter DMs. Here's the general procedure:

1. Open your Twitter app and navigate to the DM that contains the video.
2. Click on the video to open it. A URL should appear on the video playback screen.
3. Copy that URL, then use an AI tool to download Twitter video and paste the Twitter video link you've just copied into the appropriate field titled "Enter Video URL".

1. Select the format you want the video in and click "Download."

Additionally, always ensure proper permission to download and share the video to avoid violating copyright or individual privacy.

Conclusion

Direct Messages (DMs) on Twitter are a vital communication tool that enables users to send private messages, share media such as photos and videos, and create group conversations for more personal interactions. Managing these conversations and media files effectively can improve your overall Twitter experience.

For a comprehensive solution that assists in downloading videos and managing other aspects of Twitter, explore Highperformr. It offers a suite of tools that cater to various needs for Twitter users by simplifying tasks such as downloading videos, automating social growth, and enhancing the efficiency of your social media presence. With a user-friendly interface and streamlined functionalities, it's a powerful resource for mastering Twitter management.