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X (FKA Twitter) is one of the most widely used social platforms in the world. While its short post-based functionality has always been its hallmark, it also shares features with other similar services. For instance, users can start conversations with each other via DM. Now, it seems that X will make this feature more complete with a DM editing function.
DM editing is a very useful and requested feature in services that offer messaging features. It allows you to fix mistakes in sent messages without having to send a new one. Apps like WhatsApp and Telegram allow you to edit sent messages easily and without complications. Now, it seems that X will allow you to do the same in the near future.
X dev team working on enabling DM editing
The development of the DM editing feature was confirmed by Enrique (@enriquebrgn on X), an employee of the company. Enrique’s post was short and concise, simply saying that the dev team “will start building edit functionality for DMs.” So, it looks like development is just beginning, and it’s still too early to talk about an ETA.
In response to the post, an X user also asked for an “Edits in replies,” to which Enrique responded saying “baby steps greg,” so it doesn’t look like something similar is coming anytime soon. Meanwhile, even Elon Musk replied to the original post, giving his “approval” to the development of DM editing for X with an emoji.
Typically, apps that allow you to edit messages also let you unsend sent messages. That is, you can completely delete the message from the conversation for all parties. Apps like Telegram allow you to do this discreetly, without leaving a trace. However, others, like WhatsApp, let all parties know when a message was deleted. There are also services like Instagram that support message deletion but don’t let you edit sent messages.
Anyway, the X employee didn’t mention anything about message deletion support. That said, it would be another pretty useful feature, so hopefully that’s in the plans for the future as well.