Messaging comes to Strava: Functionality launches for DMs and group chats

Strava users will now be able to chat directly to one another, as well as in groups, as the fitness platform launches a landmark new feature: Messaging.

Calls for in-app messaging functionality have been made by Strava users for years – one even started a petition – and it’ll be possible from Monday, December 4.

Previously, users could only communicate via the comments section attached to activity uploads, but now there’ll be real-time private messaging, group chats and, in the future, conversation topics within Strava Clubs.

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“The introduction of Messaging marks an exciting milestone for Strava,” said Zipporah Allen, Strava’s Chief Business Officer. “This highly anticipated feature adds depth to what makes Strava special - a global community rooted in authentic connections.

“It also underscores our unwavering dedication to continually prioritise the athlete experience and what we are building for them."

© Strava

Another look at the interface

A select few Strava users have already been able to try out the functionality, but it will be rolled out to all users – including those without a Premium subscription – from Monday.

This is described as only the ‘first phase’ of the roll-out, with photos and certain other shareables to be introduced at some point in 2024. As it stands, users can share activities and routes within the Messaging platform.

In terms of privacy, you can control who is able to message you or add you to a group, with the ability to limit to people you are following, people with whom you have mutual followers, or simply no one at all. Strava will automatically set these limits based on your profile visibility but they are customisable in settings.

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The interface is similar to well-known mobile messaging apps such as WhatsApp and the private messaging arms of Facebook and Instagram. Users can react to messages using emojis and gifs, and the names of group chats can be personalised.

Strava says the next phase of the development of Messaging will come in “early 2024” and will include photo uploads, expanded shareables to include posts and events, and a dedicated space within Strava Clubs for “conversations based on specific topics” in that community.

Will you be using Strava Messaging to chat with your cycling pals? Let us know in the comments section below.

Strava

Strava is an online app that allows users to track their activities and share them with others. It connects over 100 million athletes across a global online community.