Direct Messages let eligible clients reach out directly to a limited number of freelancers with whom they haven’t yet interacted on previous contracts.
These messages provide a way to learn more about a freelancer’s availability, expertise, or rate details before sending a job invite. You can also discuss a project that you haven’t posted yet.
Who can send a Direct Message
All Upwork Enterprise clients and other clients who meet eligibility requirements can message freelancers directly. Here’s how to qualify if you’re not an Enterprise client:
- Have a current verified billing method
- Have an Upwork account in good standing (not on hold)
And either: - Spent a total of $1,000 USD or more in the past 12 months
OR - Made a payment more than 90 days ago
Direct Message limits
You can contact up to five freelancers you haven’t messaged previously per day.
Direct messages are only between you and the freelancer, meaning you can’t add others to the conversation at this point (If you set up a contract later, you’ll be able to create a group messaging room).
Send a Direct Message
- Search for talent. Find professionals with the experience or skills your project needs
- Choose the Message button. You can send a message directly from search or from the freelancer's profile
- Compose your message and choose Send. Freelancers often request details about how their skills can support your project, or why you think they’d be a good match
Note:
If you need to contact many freelancers about the same project, it’s faster to post a job and invite freelancers to submit proposals.
Contract proposals in Direct Messages
Freelancers can also propose a new contract for you via Direct Messages. You can learn more about how to review a contract proposal here.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s always their choice to respond. Direct message replies or non-replies do not affect their responsiveness ratings or Job Success Score.
Freelancers will see a client profile dropdown in the message’s sidebar that they can open to learn more about you.
You can send an offer by selecting Hire Now at the top of your conversation in Messages.
- Your star rating
- Your total spent, average rate paid, total number of hires and jobs posted on Upwork
- Your city and country location and time zone
- Whether your billing method has been verified
- If you’re an Enterprise client
- How long you’ve been on Upwork
