---
title: "Using direct and group messages as a community member"
updated: 2026-07-16
---

# Using direct and group messages as a community member

> **Community Beta Disclaimer**
>
> The community feature is launching in a beta state. During this time, we will be prioritizing user feedback and making frequent updates that may cause some images or details in this article to differ slightly from what you see in the app. For any questions, reach out to your community owner.

> **Note**
>
> Messaging is a per-community feature. If the owner has it off, you'll see that messages aren't available in that community.

---

## Start a conversation

1.  Select **Messages** in the sidebar.
2.  Select **New message.**
3.  In the **To:** field, search for people (you'll see suggestions to get you started).
4.  Pick one person for a direct message, or several for a group chat, then write your message.

You can also message someone directly from their profile with the **Message** button.

---

## Group chats

Add more than one person, and you've got a group. Give it a name when you create it, and use the conversation options to **rename the group** or **manage members** as it evolves.

---

## In a conversation

-   Write your message, add photos, GIFs, or attachments.
-   **Delete a message** you sent from its options — it's deleted for everyone and can't be undone.
-   Your inbox shows **All** or **Unread** conversations; mark a conversation as unread to come back to it later.

---

## Manage a conversation

Open **Conversation options** on any chat:

-   **Mark as unread**: Flag it for later.
-   **Archive:** Tidy it away without deleting.
-   **Report / Block:** Report a problem conversation or block it from reaching you. See [Reporting content and staying safe](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/42004606759063) for more info. 
-   **Delete conversation:** Remove it from your inbox.

---

## Your privacy controls

You decide whether people can message you at all. In your member **Settings**, the **Allow direct messages** toggle controls whether members can start a chat with you. Switch it off, and you go message-free; switch it back on any time.

---

## Safety in DMs

Messages are covered by the same protections as the rest of the community: they're automatically checked against beehiiv's content policies, and you can report any message (the community's admins will see only the message you reported, not your whole conversation).

Be sure not to give out any personal information via DMs and [report any message](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/42004606759063) that makes you feel uncomfortable. 

---