{start_tabs}
{tab|desktop-web}
1. Click the **New direct message** button at the bottom of the app, or
use the X 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 **Private messages**
( 
)
tab at the bottom of the app.
1. Tap the **New group PM** 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**
(
)
button in the bottom right corner of the app.
1. Compose your message, and tap the **send**
(
)
button in the bottom right corner of the app.
{end_tabs}