Twitter is widening its Direct Messages feature, allowing users to receive private communications from any users whether they follow them or not, according to Digital Spy.
The microblogging service previously tested the option in 2013 but decided not to take it any further until now.
However, the upgrade is opt-in from the settings menu, so those who prefer to only receive contact from users they follow can continue as normal.
"Communicating with people you may or may not know in real life just got easier," the company announced in a blog post.
"We hope these changes help you connect more easily – and directly – on Twitter with the people, causes and businesses you care about most."
The move comes in the face of growing competition from the likes of Facebook-owned WhatsApp, which had over 700 million active users as of January.
The changes begin rolling out from April 20 and mark the start of more work on improving Direct Messages.
