Meta is rolling out a major web redesign for Threads that includes a direct message inbox and a redesigned left sidebar for easier access to feeds.

Connor Hayes, appointed head of Threads in mid-2025, is leading these web-centred changes to mature the product and expand revenue opportunities.

Threads is redesigning its web interface with a left-side navigation rail and a cleaner single-feed layout, adding direct messages to bring desktop access in line with the mobile-first design.

Direct messages launched on Threads mobile in June 2025, while the web version had not supported DMs, making the desktop upgrade a key shift for power users.

Overall, Meta frames the update as addressing web users’ demand for direct messaging and better feed navigation, with rollout timing to be clarified.

Threads remains the largest platform on the ActivityPub protocol, with Meta reporting interactions across more than 75% of fediverse servers.

Meta began a global ads rollout for Threads in late January 2026, using Ads Manager to support image, video, and carousel formats, with early CPMs and CPCs signaling monetization alongside product improvements.

Threads has surpassed 450 million monthly active users, with an estimated 137–141 million daily users, underscoring rapid growth and a shift toward retention-focused development.

Analysts note the web feature gap with mobile, as Threads aims to align parity and improve web usability to meet user expectations.

The web redesign is part of a broader strategy to close the feature gap with mobile, boost engagement and session frequency, and support ad revenue growth.

Direct messages will roll out on the web in coming weeks, enabling one-on-one chats, group conversations up to 50 participants, emoji reactions, and media sharing for highly engaged desktop users.

The new web design moves Threads closer to feature parity with mobile, addressing a long-standing platform gap.