Sending private or direct twitter messages.

May 21st, 2009 Posted by Missie at 10:50 pm

Twitter offers private or direct message options, in addition to public updates, mentions and @replys. You can send a direct message to someone as long as they are following you.

Sending a direct message can be done by;

• the “message” link on the profile page
• the reply icon attached to messages in your direct message inbox
• the drop down box on the direct message inbox page
• the status update box using the direct message command: d + username + message

Only the author and recipient can view direct messages.

Direct messaging from devices

Direct messages can also be received and sent from your mobile or cell. Sending a direct message from a device is easy as using d + username + message. (For example: d tweeterland I want to see that movie too; what are you doing this weekend? ) Send a direct message from:

• your phone
• most 3rd party applications such as tweetdeck.

If your message is longer than 140 characters and twitter receives it intact, we will send your message in two parts for you. But, beware: if your service provider breaks up long messages into two parts before sending the message to twitter, we will only see the d+username attached to the first message! The second part will post to the public time line as a regular update because it doesn’t have the d+username preceding it.