You can finally send direct and group messages on Strava

Strava has introduced messaging to its popular ride recording and sharing app.

Through Strava Messaging, you will be able to chat directly with another user or in a group.

Strava says Messaging will be available to all users in the mobile version of the cycling app from early December, with new features to follow in 2024.

All you need to know about Strava Messaging

Private and group chats possible
Available for free and premium users
Mobile only (for now)
Activities and routes can be shared
Privacy settings will replicate the user’s profile visibility, but can be customised in the app

How does Strava Messaging work?

Strava home page Messaging feature — The Messaging tab is located on the right of the Activity Feed. - Strava

On the home page of the mobile app, clicking on the speech bubble to the left of the notification alert tab opens the Messaging feature.

You can then search the name of the user you want to message.

Alternatively, you can message an athlete from their profile page. However, it’s not possible to turn a comment on an activity into a direct message.

Speaking to BikeRadar, Zipporah Allen, Strava’s chief business officer, said the feature will be available only on the mobile app for the time being.

“We are looking forward to seeing how athletes adopt Messaging on mobile first – and to make adjustments based on their feedback and experience,” said Allen.

What if you don’t want people to slide into your Strava DMs?

Screenshot of 'new message' tool on Strava Messaging — You can adjust privacy settings to only exchange messages between people who follow you. - Strava

Strava says privacy settings for Messaging will automatically mirror a user’s profile visibility. For example, if your profile is private, you’ll only receive messages from followers.

But Strava says you can customise this further in the Strava app settings tab. You can choose to receive messages from followers, ‘mutuals’ or no one at all.

Wait, you can’t send photos?

Strava Messaging group chat screen shot — You can share routes and activities but not yet images. - Strava

For the time being, you can’t send images on Strava Messaging, but it will be possible to send reactions and GIFs.

The company says the option to upload photos will follow in early 2024, alongside messaging within Strava clubs.

You’ll also be able to share clubs, posts and events via Strava Messaging.

Why has Strava introduced messaging?

Graphic showing what the new Strava Personalised Progress Chart will look like — Along with fitness tracking, Strava has always been about interaction between users. - Strava

Since its launch in 2009, Strava has been a social network where athletes can follow others, give kudos and comment on their activities.

More recently, Strava added the functions to tag athletes in comments and for individuals to post without recording an activity.

Suggesting Strava responded to user demand for messaging, Allen said: “Our Strava community has been asking for Messaging for some time and we are so excited to deliver the first iteration of this feature.”

Strava claims Messaging will enhance the amount of encouragement athletes can give each other, until now limited to kudos and comments.

Allen added that Messaging will make it easier to organise group rides and share advice “all on one platform”.

Currently, users would have to move in-depth, one-to-one discussions to another form of messaging.

So a sceptic might say Strava has added Messaging to make users spend more time on the app, as other social media platforms attempt.

If you feel this way and/or primarily use Strava to track your own progress, not interact with others, you can adjust your Messaging settings to make you uncontactable.