How to Direct Message on X (Formerly Twitter)

Sending a Direct Message on X is your private channel for connecting with followers, closing deals, and building relationships away from the public timeline. This guide covers everything from sending your first DM to using advanced features for marketing and networking, giving you a complete playbook for mastering private conversations on the platform.

What Are X Direct Messages?

Direct Messages, or DMs, are the private messaging feature on X (formerly Twitter). Think of it as a texting or instant messaging service built right into the platform. Unlike public tweets that everyone can see, DMs are private conversations between two or more people. This makes them perfect for sharing sensitive information, having one-on-one discussions, or moving a public conversation to a more personal setting.

Whether you're a casual user connecting with friends or a brand providing customer support, DMs are an essential part of the X experience. You can send text, links, photos, videos, and GIFs, making it a versatile tool for communication.

How to Send a Direct Message on X: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sending a DM is straightforward, but the process looks a little different depending on whether you're using X on a desktop browser or the mobile app. We'll walk through both.

On Desktop (Website)

There are two main ways to start a new DM conversation from your computer.

Method 1: Using the Messages Tab

• Step 1: Log in to your X account and find the navigation menu on the left side of your screen. Click on the Messages icon, which looks like an envelope.
• Step 2: In the Messages column, click the New message button (it also looks like an envelope, but with a plus sign).
• Step 3: In the "New message" window, type the name or @username of the person you want to message. As you type, a list of users will appear. Select the correct person.
• Step 4: You can add more people to create a group chat or just proceed with one person. Click Next.
• Step 5: Type your message into the text box at the bottom and hit the Enter key or click the send icon (a paper airplane) to send it.

Method 2: From Someone's Profile Page

• Step 1: Navigate directly to the profile of the person you want to DM.
• Step 2: Look for the envelope icon located right below their bio and next to the "Follow" button.
• Step 3: If the person allows DMs from you, this icon will be clickable. Click it.
• Step 4: A message window will pop up at the bottom right corner of your screen. Type your message and hit Enter to send.

On Mobile (iOS and Android)

The process on the mobile app is just as simple.

Method 1: From the Messages Tab

• Step 1: Open the X app and tap the Messages icon (the envelope) in the bottom navigation bar.
• Step 2: Tap the blue New message icon (envelope with a plus sign) in the bottom-right corner.
• Step 3: Search for the user(s) you want to message by name or @username and tap their name to add them to the conversation.
• Step 4: Tap Create group if you've added multiple people or simply move to the next step if it's a one-on-one chat.
• Step 5: Type your message in the composer field and tap the send icon.

Method 2: From a User's Profile Page

• Step 1: Go to the profile of the user you wish to message.
• Step 2: Tap the envelope icon directly to the right of their username and below their header image.
• Step 3: This will open a new DM conversation with them. Type your message and send it off.

Understanding DM Settings and Permissions

You can't always DM everyone on X. A user's privacy settings determine who can send them a private message. It's important to understand these settings both for managing your own inbox and for knowing who you can reach out to.

Who Can Send You a DM?

X gives you control over your inbox. You can find these settings by going to Settings and privacy >, Privacy and safety >, Direct Messages. Here are your options:

• Allow message requests from everyone: This is an "open DMs" setting. Anyone on X can send you a message, even if you don't follow them. These messages will go to your "Message requests" folder for you to review. This is a common setting for businesses, creators, and public figures who want to be accessible.
• Allow message requests from only Verified users: This limits inbound requests to only people who have a blue checkmark. It can reduce spam but also prevents non-verified users from reaching out.
• Allow messages from only people you follow: This is the most restrictive option. Only accounts you follow can message you. If you enable this, you will not receive Message requests.

If you try to message someone whose settings don't permit it, the message icon on their profile will be grayed out, and you won't be able to initiate a conversation.

What is the "Message requests" Folder?

When someone you don't follow sends you a DM (and your settings allow it), it doesn't go directly to your main inbox. Instead, it lands in a separate folder called Message requests.

Think of this as a filter. It helps you separate messages from people you know and actively talk with from unsolicited messages from strangers. You have two options when viewing a request:

• Accept: The message moves to your primary inbox, and the conversation can continue normally. All future messages from this person will now go straight to your inbox.
• Delete: The message is permanently removed. The sender will not know you deleted it.

You can also report any message as spam or abuse directly from the request screen.

Using DMs for Marketing and Building Your Brand

Direct Messages are far more than just a tool for chatting with friends. For businesses, creators, and professionals, they are a powerful channel for networking, customer service, and community building. Here are some strategies to use DMs effectively.

1. Provide Top-Notch Customer Service

Many customers prefer to handle support issues privately rather than in a public tweet. DMs are the perfect place for this. When a customer tweets a complaint or a question, your first move should often be a public reply like:

"So sorry to hear about this! We want to help. Please check your DMs for a message from us so we can get your details safely."

This shows other users you're responsive and takes the conversation private to handle personal information like order numbers or account details securely. It turns a potential public complaint into a positive, one-on-one support interaction.

2. Network and Build Industry Connections

DMs are a fantastic way to reach out to people in your field without the awkwardness of a cold email. Found someone whose work you admire? Follow them and engage with their tweets. After a bit of interaction, sending a friendly, concise DM is a great next step.

Here’s an example script:

"Hey [Name], just wanted to say I really appreciated your thread on [Topic]. The point you made about [Specific Point] was spot on. Would love to connect if you're ever open to it!"

This approach is respectful, specific, and doesn't ask for too much. It opens the door for a meaningful professional relationship in a low-pressure way. Learn more about how to network effectively on X (formerly Twitter).

3. Generate Leads

Pay attention to what people are tweeting. Users often post about problems they're facing or things they're looking for. If their problem is something your business solves, a well-crafted DM can be an effective way to generate a B2B lead.

Avoid a hard sell. Instead, be helpful. For example, if someone tweets, "My current project management software is so clunky. Looking for alternatives," you could slide into their DMs with:

"Hi [Name], I saw your tweet about looking for a new project management tool. It's a common frustration! If you're open to it, our tool was designed to simplify X and Y. No pressure at all, but thought it might be helpful. Good luck with the search!"

4. Build a Community with Group Chats

X allows you to create group DMs with up to 150 people. This is a massively underutilized feature for community building. You could create exclusive groups for:

• Your most engaged followers: Offer them behind-the-scenes content or early access to new products.
• Customers of a specific product: A small group where they can share tips, ask questions, and give you direct feedback.
• Event attendees: Create a group chat for people attending your workshop or webinar to network before the event.

The "Rules" of DM Etiquette

To avoid coming across as spammy or unprofessional, keep these unwritten rules in mind:

• Don't open with just "Hi" or "Hello." Get to the point. Say who you are and why you're messaging them in your first DMs.
• Personalize your message. Generic, copy-pasted messages are easy to spot and almost always get ignored. Reference a specific tweet or thing you have in common.
• Be concise. No one wants to read a novel in their DMs. Write a few sentences that clearly state your purpose.
• Don't follow up relentlessly. If they don't respond, let it go. Sending multiple follow-up messages can get you blocked.
• Check grammar and spelling. Professionalism counts, even in DMs. A quick proofread goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

Direct Messages on X are a simple feature on the surface but offer profound value when used strategically. They’re your best bet for turning public interactions into private relationships, solving customer problems efficiently, and building a loyal community right on the platform.

We know that managing DMs and comments across X, Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms can quickly turn your day into a battle against overflowing inboxes. That's why at Postbase, we designed our unified inbox to bring all those conversations into one clean, manageable stream. Instead of jumping between apps, you can reply to everyone from one place, making community management feel organized and in control - not chaotic.