Twitter is upgrading the direct message search bar, adding the much-needed ability to search DMs by entering keywords.
This update to Twitter DM Search is rolling out to iOS and Android apps, and will also be available on web browsers.
If you think searching by keyword is how the search bar should work, chances are you’ll find people who disagree.
However, since Twitter DM search launched in 2019, it has lacked the basic functionality of searching by keyword.
Until now, Twitter users could only search for DMs by name, which isn’t particularly useful if you have a long DM thread with someone.
as i pointed out When Twitter DM Search was first released, the ability to search for messages containing specific keywords was even more valuable.
Now, nearly three years after launching its first DM search, Twitter is giving users what they really want.
We know you’ve been waiting for the option to search your DMs…
You can now use the search bar in your inbox to find specific messages using keywords and names. pic.twitter.com/A41G8Y45QI
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) March 23, 2022
Search Twitter DMs by keyword
Twitter DM search now works as you expect.
Just navigate to your DM inbox using the mobile app or web browser and start typing keywords.
The results will populate as you type, displaying a message containing the word or phrase you typed.
You can see this in the Twitter example below:
Now you can search DMs for what really matters pic.twitter.com/pZP6TMYyEN
— Twitter (@twitter) March 23, 2022
While this is certainly an improvement over Twitter’s previously limited DM search capabilities, it still lacks the ability to search historical DMs.
Search results can only be traced back to messages sent and received in 2020.
If you want to quickly find an early DM on Twitter, you won’t be able to do that with the built-in search bar.
To find tweets sent within the past few years, this update should do what you need.
Featured Image: FP Creative/Shutterstock
