Twitter has announced that it would get rid of the 140-character limit on direct messaging and will now allow users to send direct messages that are 10,000 characters long. The fierce competition in the messaging space with the likes of WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, the company acknowledges that instant messaging will be a big deal in the future.

Twitter has suggested some recommendations to ensure that the apps and services will be able to handle longer messaging format, “review API additions, update your GET requests so that you will be able to receive the full length of Direct Messaging text and adjust your app UI to accommodate the longer Direct Messaging text.

"We've done a lot to improve Direct Messages over the past year and have much more exciting work on the horizon. One change coming in July that we want to make you aware of now (and first!) is the removal of the 140 character limit in Direct Messages," Twitter Product Manager (Direct Messages) Sachin Agarwal said in a blog post.

The 140 character limit rule will be in force regarding regular tweets and no information has been given or leaked so far whether Twitter will be changing it. “Direct Messages” is a service that is provided by Twitter which allows people to take crowded conversations in private and talk with multiple people simultaneously, with privacy, as enjoyed in one to one Direct Messages.

“Direct Message” service, allows anyone to receive Direct Messages from anyone. Users with iPhones and Android phones have to turn on the Direct Message service by enabling “Receive Direct Messages from anyone” in the settings tab.

Investors greeted the initiative with enthusiasm, driving the Twitter shares up to nearly 6 percent in late trading after the announcement.

By Premji