Mini Threads List
The WebSocket version's Mini Threads is a compact conversation-list widget fixed to the bottom of every page. Users see their recent threads with live unread counts, and clicking opens a mini-chat popup without leaving the current page. Persistent across the site — your inbox follows you everywhere.
Real-time unread updates require the persistent WebSocket connection. The free version's Conversations mini-widget shows a static count refreshed on page load.
What it adds#
- Compact conversation list at the bottom of every page
- Recent conversations with live unread counts updated in real-time
- Click any thread to open it as a mini-chat popup (no page navigation)
- New messages reorder the list automatically (busiest threads to the top)
- Role-based visibility restrictions
- Persistent presence across all site pages — your messenger is always one click away
How it works#
The Mini Threads widget loads on page render and subscribes to the WebSocket events for the user's conversations. As messages arrive:
| Event | Outcome |
|---|---|
| New message in a thread | Thread moves to the top of the list |
| Unread count increments | Badge updates instantly |
| User opens the thread | Unread count clears |
| User reads on another tab | Read state syncs across tabs (cross-tab BroadcastChannel) |
| Page navigation | Widget state persists; doesn't reload |
The widget behaves like the bottom-of-screen messenger panels in Facebook and Slack — always accessible, never modal.
When to enable#
| Site profile | Mini Threads is useful |
|---|---|
| Community / social network | Members message frequently — easy access matters |
| Marketplace | Buyer-vendor messaging is a primary action |
| LMS / training | Students message peers and instructors throughout the day |
| Support / sales | Reps need to see incoming messages while on other pages |
| Personal-use site | One-on-one with friends; persistent inbox keeps it natural |
How to enable#
Navigate to WP Admin → Better Messages → Settings → Mini Widgets.
- Enable Mini Threads — Show the conversation list widget
- Restrict by Roles — Hide the widget for specific user roles (e.g., hide for guests)
The widget pairs naturally with Mini Chats — clicking a thread in Mini Threads opens it as a Mini Chat popup.
Frequently asked questions#
Can I show only certain conversations in the list?#
By default, all of the user's conversations are shown, sorted by recency. There is no built-in filter for restricting the list today — override the relevant React component via the plugin override pattern if you need a custom filter.
How many threads are shown?#
About 20 most recent by default. The user can scroll for older threads.
Does the widget consume bandwidth even when idle?#
Minimal — the WebSocket connection is already open for other features. Mini Threads piggybacks on it. No extra connections, no polling.
Can I hide the widget on specific pages?#
Yes — add custom CSS scoped to those pages targeting the mini-threads container, or dequeue the widget script with the wp_enqueue_scripts action on the pages where it shouldn't appear.
What's the difference between Mini Threads and Mini Chats?#
Mini Threads = the conversation list widget (this doc). Mini Chats = the popup chat windows that open when you click a thread. They work together: Mini Threads is the launcher, Mini Chats is the active conversation surface.
See also#
- Mini chats (popup windows) — what opens when clicking a thread
- Mini widgets overview — all 7 widget types
- WordPress chat widget blog post — feature overview
- Floating chat / mini chats blog post — UX deep-dive