Twitter has updated its  app for iOS and Android, introducing features that encourage users to make it their primary messaging platform. Unlike before when users can only post images publicly, mobile and web users can now attach images to their Direct Messages. Aside from tweaking its private messaging tool, the micro-bloging site has also redesigned the app's layout.

With 232 million active users every month, Twitter is regarded among the frontrunners when it comes to stimulating public discussion. However, it has not been utilizing the potential of its Direct Messaging feature and private messaging apps such as Line, WhatsApp, and Kik are capitalizing on the opportunity.

"For the first time, you can share and view photos via direct message (DM) on your mobile phone. We've also introduced a new tab in the navigation bar that makes it easy to access DMs -- they're just one tap away from wherever you are on Twitter," Twitter announced on its official blog.

One can also easily tap or click on the Messages tab that now appears at the navigation bar at the bottom of the Twitter app so users can easily send out private messages from the home screen.

Twitter also made it easy for users to switch from one screen to another.

"Now you can swipe from your Home timeline to the Discover timeline to find trends, popular Tweets and new accounts tailored for you, and then swipe to your Activity timeline to see Tweets and accounts that are popular among people you follow," Twitter said.

All it takes now to switch from browsing through tweets of people they follow to see trending topics is a swipe to the left to the Discover page. Another swipe will bring the app to the Activity page where they can review what they have done on the social network, from posting tweets to following brands or people, and choosing favorite tweets.

The Notifications tab also gets some changes  particularly having the option to filter how things flow, whether one would like to see stuff from everyone, from verified friends, or those that they follow.

According to Twitter, those using Android can now get mobile notifications for certain users just by tapping the star next to the profile of these users. Meanwhile, those on the iOS can see in-app notices when another user favorites their tweets or sends them a direct message.

The company's @Twittermobile also posted more information about the updates.

ïOS update makes searching by location and users you follow easier, and includes an option to save articles to read with Safari Reading List," @twittermobile posted.

Twitter also made it easier for users to follow conversations. Tweets that belong to a conversation are now linked with a blue vertical line.

As the messaging niche in the tech industry sees more serious players in the market, users can see companies such as Twitter consistently and constantly making changes to outmaneuver its competitions.

The Twitter app may be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store.