X users may soon get more DM functionality, with the capacity to attach files to DMs currently in testing in the app.
You will soon be able to DM files to other users on X in addition to Photos, Videos, and GIFs. pic.twitter.com/99AgwSziLK
— Aaron (@aaronp613) December 12, 2024
As you can see in this screenshot, back-end iOS code strings on X already include DM attachment references, which suggest that expanded elements are coming. The same code strings are also included in the Android app.
That would boost the capacity of X as a messaging tool, and align with the broader vision to convert it into an “everything app”, through which users would be able to conduct more of their day-to-day activities on a single platform.
And dedicated messaging, which has become a key connective element, is a big consideration in this respect.
Indeed, back in September, X owner Elon Musk said that X is working on “decoupling” DMs from public posting in the app: “so that if all you want to do is use this platform for messaging, but not post publicly, you can do so.”
Being able to attach files, then, makes a lot of sense, enhancing the messaging capacity of the platform to make it more of a dedicated messaging tool, if that’s how people want to use it.
The “everything app” vision is still a long way off, with X reportedly delaying its payments push due to an issue in obtaining payments processor licensing in New York. But X is still building out its functionality in other ways, while it’s also added various DM updates to enhance this aspect.
X added voice and video calls earlier this year, while it also added DM editing in September.
In combination, X has made some significant shifts, while the “de-coupling” of DMs from the main app would mark another major milestone in expanding app usage.
There’s no word as yet on a potential live test or release date, but considering X’s rate of rollouts, I’d say it’ll probably launch soon, though likely for X Premium subscribers only.
