Overview
Pronto has two related but distinct ways to have focused conversations: Replies (also called Reply Chains) and the newer Threads feature released in April 2026. While they sound similar, they serve different purposes. This article covers both so you know when to use each one.
| Reply Chains | Threads |
Introduced | April 2021 | April 2026 |
Best for | Short, in-line back-and-forths on a specific message | Longer, focused side conversations that deserve their own space, without notifying the other members of the group with each message |
Lives in | Inline within the main chat history | A separate space under the parent chat, visible in the drawer |
Has its own title | No | Yes |
Independent notifications | No — follows the group's settings | Yes — configurable per Thread |
Conversion | Can be promoted to a Thread (one-way) | Cannot be converted back to a Reply chain |
Not sure which to use? A good rule of thumb: start with a Reply. If the conversation grows and takes on a life of its own, you can always convert the Reply chain to a Thread.
For full documentation on the new Threads feature, see: April 2026 Feature Release: Threads.
Part 1: Replies Chains
Introduced April 2021 · Available on all platforms
A Reply lets you respond directly to any specific message in the chat, keeping related messages visually linked together inside the main chat history. When multiple replies are attached to the same original message, it becomes a threaded discussion.
Replies are great for quick, contextual back-and-forths — a clarifying question, a quick reaction, or a short follow-up — without pulling everyone in the group into a separate conversation. The reply chain stays visible inline, connected by a teal line from one profile photo to the next.
A Reply Chain inline in the chat history.
As messages continue to be added to the main chat, an ongoing reply chain will display with a dotted line (rather than solid) to indicate other messages have appeared in between. When the discussion resumes, the original message is referenced so context is never lost.
Continuous Reply Chain
Resumed Reply Chain
Creating a Reply
You can start a reply from any message, including your own.
Step 1. Click or tap on the message you want to reply to.
Step 2. Choose Reply to create a threaded discussion.
Reply to create a Reply Chain
Step 3. Enter your message and send.
Responding to a Reply Chain
There are two ways to add to a reply chain:
Click or tap any message in the chain and choose Reply.
Click or tap View Replies on any message in the chain to open the Thread panel, then add your message at the bottom.
From the Chat History Panel
Step 1. Click or tap on any message in the threaded discussion.
Step 2. Choose Reply to switch to the Thread panel.
Responding to a Reply Chain
Step 3. Enter your message and send.
From the Reply Panel
Step 1. Click or tap View Replies on any message in the reply chain.
Responding from the Reply panel.
Step 2. Enter your message and send.
Part 2: Threads (Added April 2026)
Threads are a new type of chat introduced in April 2026. Unlike Replies — which stay inline in the main chat history — a Thread is its own self-contained conversation that lives underneath its parent chat. Threads have their own title, their own message history, and their own notification settings.
Threads are ideal when a topic deserves its own dedicated space and you don't want it interrupting the flow of the main group chat. Anyone in the parent chat can read any Thread in it — no invites or permission changes needed.
You can start a Thread in three ways:
From scratch — tap the + button in the message composer and choose Thread.
From a message — select any message and choose Create Thread. The message becomes the Thread's source.
From a Reply chain — if a reply chain has grown too big, open it and tap Convert this conversation to a thread. All existing messages move over. Note: this is a one-way action and cannot be reversed.
For full details on Threads — including finding, joining, notifications, and permissions — see the April 2026 Feature Release: Threads article.