Twitter’s six-second video sharing service, Vine, has received a new feature today. Vine direct messaging has been added to both the iOS and Android apps. The feature allows users to send six-second clips to each other in a private channel. Users will also be able to share public Vines with each other in private. It is also possible to send Vines in private to multiple contacts.
Obviously with any direct messaging feature, privacy is a major concern. Vine users will only be able to receive direct messages from users that they follow or friend. They won’t receive them from everyone else. As previously mentioned, sending to multiple recipients is possible, but much like Snapchat all conversations are one-to-one. This means that even if the Vine is sent to multiple people, there will be separate threads for each of them.
Vines can also be sent via email or SMS, even to someone who is not on Vine. Replying to Vine direct messages is easy, a simple tap and hold on the camera button brings up the interface to record a six-second clip. Releasing the button sends the reply.
These new features come part and parcel of the newly updated Vine for iOS and Android apps. They will roll out to the respective app stores later in the day.