Threads users can now start group chats with up to 50 friends

Every platform is a messaging platform, so it's kind of shocking that Threads, Meta's 2023 answer to X's turmoil, reached a whopping 400 million monthly active users in August without an option to send a group chat. Today, that changed.

Threads announced on Wednesday that users can start a group chat with up to 50 people, customize the chat with a name, and invite friends with a link so you don't have to do it all individually. The feature is only available to users over 18 years old, and you can only add people who follow you on Threads. It's not yet available on desktop, so, for now at least, you'll need to use the app.

Total Time

• 1 min

What You Need

• Threads app

Step 1: Navigate to your messages

Click the button on the bottom menu of the Threads app that looks like an envelope

Credit: Threads screenshot

Step 2: Create a new message

Click the create button at the top right corner of the messages page

Credit: Threads screenshot

Step 3: Add up to 50 users

Add up to 50 Threads users to your group chat. They must all be following you.

Credit: Threads screenshot

Step 4: Customize your group chat name

Change the name of your groupchat.

Credit: Threads screenshot

Threads also announced it's rolling out messaging in the EU, and reiterated that they've added support for photos, videos, GIFs, and stickers in messaging. As with other Meta platforms, there are some safety standards implemented to messaging — a messaging requests folder, privacy settings, and a hidden folder.

"As more people join communities they only follow on Threads, messaging makes it easier to build and strengthen connections without the need to switch apps," a Threads blog post published Wednesday reads. "We’ll continue refining the experience based on community feedback, with more updates — including improved inbox management tools — on the way."