{start_tabs}

{tab|desktop-web}

1. Click the **New direct message** button at the bottom of the app, or
   use the <kbd>X</kbd> keyboard shortcut.

1. Start typing the name of the person you want to message, and
   select their name from the list of suggestions. You can continue
   adding as many message recipients as you like.

{!compose-and-send-message.md!}

!!! tip ""

    You can switch from composing a stream message to composing a direct
    message by selecting **Direct message** from the dropdown in the upper left
    of the compose box.

{tab|mobile}

1. Tap the **Direct messages**
   ( <img src="/static/images/help/mobile-dm-tab-icon.svg" alt="direct messages" class="mobile-icon"/> )
   tab at the bottom of the app.

1. Tap the **New group DM** button at the top of the app.

1. Start typing the name of the person you want to message, and
   select their name from the list of suggestions. You can continue
   adding as many message recipients as you like.

1. Approve by tapping the **checkmark**
   (<img src="/static/images/help/mobile-check-circle-icon.svg" alt="checkmark" class="mobile-icon"/>)
   button in the bottom right corner of the app.

1. Compose your message, and tap the **send**
   (<img src="/static/images/help/mobile-send-circle-icon.svg" alt="send" class="mobile-icon"/>)
   button in the bottom right corner of the app.

{end_tabs}