You can now check Twitter DMs right from your timeline
Twitter makes DMs more like Facebook messages, but users aren’t happy

Twitter’s on fire right now, as major verified accounts are being hacked in a massive Bitcoin scam, but that can’t stop the social media giant from releasing new updates. Twitter just announced that it’ll soon make accessing direct messages on the web more streamlined by putting a direct messaging tool right on your home timeline.
Like Facebook’s messaging system, Twitter’s DM tool will live on the lower-right corner of your screen and will blink when you get a message. You can then open it, reply and minimize it without leaving your timeline.
There is no mention as to when this new feature will be available to everyone, but I verified that it’s not available on my personal Twitter page or on the ITPro Twitter page. Some replies to Twitter’s announcement show screenshots of the new DM system, indicating this may be a slow rollout.
While some users will find this feature useful, particularly those who do a lot of DMing, Twitter has gotten some flak from its users over this update. The common thread among users is they’ve been asking for an editing function for ages, but Twitter keeps stonewalling them and addressing less widespread needs.
Other users have complained that once the DM tab appears on the page, there’s no way to delete it.
Fueling the disgruntled Twitter users’ flame is the fact this update comes amid one of the social media platform’s biggest hacks.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
-
What is polymorphic malware?
Explainer Polymorphic malware constantly changes its code to avoid detection, making it a top cybersecurity threat that demands advanced, behavior-based defenses
-
Outgoing Kaseya CEO teases "this is just the beginning" for the company
Opinion We spoke to Fred Voccola who remains a key figurehead at the firm as it enters its next chapter...
-
Who owns the data used to train AI?
Analysis Elon Musk says he owns it – but Twitter’s terms and conditions suggest otherwise
-
Elon Musk confirms Twitter CEO resignation, allegations of investor influence raised
News Questions have surfaced over whether Musk hid the true reason why he was being ousted as Twitter CEO behind a poll in which the majority of users voted for his resignation
-
Businesses to receive unique Twitter verification badge in platform overhaul
News There will be new verification systems for businesses, governments, and individuals - each receiving differently coloured checkmarks
-
Ex-Twitter tech lead says platform's infrastructure can sustain engineering layoffs
News Barring major changes the platform contains the automated systems to keep it afloat, but cuts could weaken failsafes further
-
‘Hardcore’ Musk decimates Twitter staff benefits, mandates weekly code reviews
News The new plans from the CEO have been revealed through a series of leaked internal memos
-
Twitter could charge $20 a month for 'blue tick' verification, following Musk takeover
News Developers have allegedly been given just seven days to implement the changes or face being fired
-
Twitter reports largest ever period for data requests in new transparency report
News The company pointed to the success of its moderation systems despite increasing reports, as governments increasingly targeted verified journalists and news sources
-
IT Pro News In Review: Cyber attack at Ikea, Meta ordered to sell Giphy, new Twitter CEO
Video Catch up on the biggest headlines of the week in just two minutes