diff --git a/synapse/handlers/room.py b/synapse/handlers/room.py
index 8758af4ca..d40ada60c 100644
--- a/synapse/handlers/room.py
+++ b/synapse/handlers/room.py
@@ -196,6 +196,11 @@ class RoomCreationHandler(BaseHandler):
                 },
                 ratelimit=False)
 
+        content = {}
+        is_direct = config.get("is_direct", None)
+        if is_direct:
+            content["is_direct"] = is_direct
+
         for invitee in invite_list:
             yield room_member_handler.update_membership(
                 requester,
@@ -203,6 +208,7 @@ class RoomCreationHandler(BaseHandler):
                 room_id,
                 "invite",
                 ratelimit=False,
+                content=content,
             )
 
         for invite_3pid in invite_3pid_list: