diff --git a/app/soapbox/features/conversations/index.js b/app/soapbox/features/conversations/index.js
index 78b870518..69f054c86 100644
--- a/app/soapbox/features/conversations/index.js
+++ b/app/soapbox/features/conversations/index.js
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ import AccountSearch from 'soapbox/components/account_search';
 
 const messages = defineMessages({
   title: { id: 'column.direct', defaultMessage: 'Direct messages' },
-  searchPlaceholder: { id: 'direct.search_placeholder', defaultMessage: 'Search for an account to message…' },
+  searchPlaceholder: { id: 'direct.search_placeholder', defaultMessage: 'Send a message to…' },
 });
 
 export default @connect()
diff --git a/app/soapbox/features/direct_timeline/index.js b/app/soapbox/features/direct_timeline/index.js
index 008a3c3d2..946a29ad3 100644
--- a/app/soapbox/features/direct_timeline/index.js
+++ b/app/soapbox/features/direct_timeline/index.js
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ import AccountSearch from 'soapbox/components/account_search';
 
 const messages = defineMessages({
   title: { id: 'column.direct', defaultMessage: 'Direct messages' },
-  searchPlaceholder: { id: 'direct.search_placeholder', defaultMessage: 'Search for an account to message…' },
+  searchPlaceholder: { id: 'direct.search_placeholder', defaultMessage: 'Send a message to…' },
 });
 
 const mapStateToProps = state => ({