Strava introduces messaging
The activity-tracking app can now be used to chat to your fellow cyclists and runners
Strava has introduced a messaging service for its users, meaning that cyclists can now use the app to chat or co-ordinate rides together.
Launched on Monday, Strava Messaging can be used one-to-one or for group messaging, but can only be used to message people that follow you, or it can be turned off all together.
"The introduction of Messaging marks an exciting milestone for Strava,” Zipporah Allen, Strava’s chief business officer, said. “This highly anticipated feature adds depth to what makes Strava special - a global community rooted in authentic connections.
"It also underscores our unwavering dedication to continually prioritise the athlete experience and what we are building for them."
Strava said that the feature was introduced due to the "platform’s research revealing that athletes perform better together".
All users, paid and unpaid, will be able to message their friends on the app, share routes or activities, and join in group messages too.
According to the American company the feature "bridges the gap between tactical planning and meaningful engagement, embodying Strava's commitment to empowering athletes and fostering a thriving community".
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Messaging was one of the features that Strava users most wanted to be added to the popular service, in a survey last year. The app has more than 100 million athletes using it.
Privacy has been at the forefront of the development of the feature too.
"Athletes on Strava can customize the Messaging feature based on their desired experience on the platform," the press release reads. "For example, athletes can set their preferences on who can invite them to a Group Message or who can Message them directly.
"Settings will be automatically set based on an athlete’s profile visibility but can be adjusted to receive messages to and from ‘Following,’ ‘Mutuals,’ or ‘No One,’ under settings in the Strava app."
In 2024, Strava Messaging will be expanded to allow Clubs to message about specific topics, for photos to be uploaded, and also for more things to be shared within conversations.
In November, Strava introduced Flyover, a feature which creates a 3D map video fly-over of your activity, for subscribers, and Spotify was integrated with the app in April.
Earlier this year, Strava increased subscription prices for paid users, but was forced to later apologise to its users over its handling of the increases, saying it “made a mistake” by not providing sufficient information.
“Our intention was not to hide these pricing changes, we just moved too fast,” a company press release said at the time. “We also missed the opportunity to inform long-standing monthly subscribers that, by shifting from paying monthly to annual, they can avoid a significant price increase altogether.
“We sincerely apologise for the confusion and concern this has caused many of our valued subscribers.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Adam is Cycling Weekly’s news editor – his greatest love is road racing but as long as he is cycling on tarmac, he's happy. Before joining Cycling Weekly he spent two years writing for Procycling, where he interviewed riders and wrote about racing. He's usually out and about on the roads of Bristol and its surrounds. Before cycling took over his professional life, he covered ecclesiastical matters at the world’s largest Anglican newspaper and politics at Business Insider. Don't ask how that is related to cycling.
-
Tweets of the week: Pogačar can be beaten, Pidcock meets the royals, and Remco's an Arsenal fan
Sadly for Tadej Pogačar, serial winning doesn't seem to apply to go karting
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Friday roundup: Rapha does sportswear, Oakley meets PNS and Restrap makes a vest
Two new clothing lines, some hi-tech smart glasses and a hydration vest to inspire you to ride further
By Luke Friend Published
-
Jonas Vingegaard’s former team reclaims Coll de Rates KOM from Juan Ayuso
18-year-old Peter Øxenberg Hansen now officially holds Strava title, beating UAE Emirates rider by 11 seconds
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I got the dreaded uh-oh email from Strava... he took my KOM by 15 seconds': Phil Gaimon wins battle over world's hardest segment
American holds 249 watts on gruelling five-hour Mauna Kea effort to reclaim crown
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘Dear tiger': Why do Wout van Aert’s Strava files all have strange names?
The Visma-Lease a Bike rider has been feeling musical on a training camp
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'People aren't as snooty or uptight': gravel boom shows no signs of slowing, and here's why
Gravel bike riding is "one of the fastest-growing sports" on Strava, with 55% more people doing it in 2023
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Strava analyzed all our activities and found that boomers bike, Gen Z likes the party pace and we’re all held back by work
Strava’s Year in Sport takes an analytical deep dive into the habits of 120 million athletes world wide. Here's what they found.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Strava appoints YouTube exec as new CEO hopes to 'take it to the next level'
Michael Martin will lead the exercise app from 2 January 2024
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘I’m in serious danger’ - Alpe d’Huez QOM holder reacts to climb’s Tour de France Femmes inclusion
Illi Gardner has the best time on over 8,000 Strava climb segments
By Tom Davidson Published
-
American cyclist sets Strava art Guinness World Record with a 983-mile Latin cross
The Guinness World Record attempt will traverse three state lines and is expected to take seven days to finish
By Kristin Jenny Published