Pinned Messages & Conversations
Better Messages supports two distinct pinning behaviors: moderators can pin messages to the top of a conversation so they're always visible, and users can pin entire conversations to the top of their inbox so their most-used threads don't scroll away. Both are useful in different ways for keeping important content close at hand.
What it adds#
- Pinned message — moderators select one message to stick to the top of the conversation
- Pinned conversations — each user can pin their most-used threads to the top of their inbox
- A pinned message is visible to all participants — useful for chat-room rules, announcements, key links
- Pinned conversations are per-user — your pins don't affect others
- Easy unpin from the same UI as pinning
- The pinned message stays in place even as new messages are sent (it doesn't scroll away)
How it works#
Pinned message (moderator action)#
A conversation or chat-room moderator selects a message and clicks Pin. The message moves to a sticky region at the top of the thread, visible to every participant. Pinning is one message per thread — pinning a new message replaces the previous pinned message.
| Use case | Pinned content |
|---|---|
| Public chat room | Room rules, welcome message, link to docs |
| Support chat | Key escalation contacts, hours of operation |
| LMS cohort | Assignment due dates, syllabus link |
| Marketplace vendor group | Shipping policies, store hours |
| Event-day room | Schedule, speaker bios, live links |
Pinned conversations (per-user action)#
A user clicks the pin icon next to a conversation in their inbox. That thread moves to the top, above the recency-sorted list, and stays there until unpinned. Pinned conversations are personal — other participants don't know which threads you've pinned.
| Use case | Why pin |
|---|---|
| Daily-use thread | Easier access than scrolling past newer chats |
| Important customer | Stays at top regardless of message recency |
| Personal favorites | Family / close friend threads always accessible |
| Active project | Keep the relevant group chat one click away |
How to enable#
Navigate to WP Admin → Better Messages → Settings → Messaging.
- Pin Messages — Allow moderators to pin messages in conversations and chat rooms
- Pin Conversations — Allow users to pin conversations to the top of their inbox
Frequently asked questions#
Who can pin messages?#
Conversation moderators (the thread creator + WordPress administrators) can pin. In a chat room, the room creator and admins can pin.
What happens if a pinned message is deleted?#
The pin is cleared automatically when the underlying message is deleted.
How many messages can be pinned in one conversation?#
One pinned message per thread. Pinning a different message replaces the previous one — keep this in mind when surfacing important info; rotate the pin as content evolves.
Are pinned conversations counted in the inbox count?#
Yes — pinned conversations participate normally in unread counts and notifications. Pinning only affects sort order in the inbox view.
See also#
- Favorite messages — bookmark messages privately (different from public pins)
- Chat rooms — where moderator pinning matters most
- Pinned messages blog post — feature deep-dive with screenshots
- Group conversations — context where pinning is most useful