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Direct messages overview

Talk privately with anyone on Root.

What is a direct message?​

A direct message (DM) is a private conversation between you and one or more other Root users. Unlike messages in community channels, direct messages are only visible to the people in the conversation.

Direct messages exist separately from communities. Who can message you depends on your privacy settings. You can allow messages from friends only, shared connections, or anyone. Conversations continue even if you leave a shared community.

How direct messages work​

Direct messages have several features:

  • Text messages work the same as in channels. You can send text, attachments, reactions, and replies.
  • Pinned messages let you highlight important messages for easy access later.
  • Voice and video calls let you call someone directly from your conversation. The other person receives a notification and can accept or decline.
  • Conversation list shows all your active direct message conversations in one place, sorted by most recent activity.
  • Online status shows whether the other person is currently active, idle, or offline.
  • Pin to tab lets you pin conversations to the tab bar for quick access (Desktop only).

Direct messages can be one-on-one (between you and one other person) or group conversations (between you and multiple people). See Group conversations to learn more about chatting with multiple friends at once.

When someone sends you a direct message, you receive a notification (unless you've muted them or have notifications disabled). The conversation appears in your direct messages list.

You can close a conversation to remove it from your list, but the messages aren't deleted. If you message that person again, the history reappears.

When to use direct messages​

Use direct messages when you want to:

  • Have a private conversation that shouldn't be in a community channel
  • Contact someone directly without involving the rest of a community
  • Coordinate one-on-one for plans, questions, or personal topics
  • Call someone privately for a voice or video conversation