Threads, Meta’s version of Twitter, has recently marked its one-year anniversary. Since its launch last year on July 5th, the social network has amassed an impressive 175 million monthly active users. However, as Threads matures, it is striving to carve out its unique identity by steering clear of the news-heavy nature of Twitter and maintaining a more closed environment compared to platforms like Mastodon or Bluesky.
Over the past year, the Threads team has been diligent in rolling out new features at a rapid pace, while also actively seeking feedback directly from its user base. Some of the notable updates include support for multiple profiles, a web application, a desktop interface resembling Tweetdeck, trending topics in the U.S., and customized controls for muting and quoting replies.
In a bid to further integrate with the Fediverse, Threads now allows users to link their accounts to the ActivityPub protocol, enabling them to share posts across the Fediverse and view likes and replies from a broader audience. However, the ability to follow users from other servers is still pending.
Despite its significant growth and progress, Threads can draw valuable lessons from other social networks. For instance, Bluesky has excelled in curating custom feeds to help users discover diverse content. While Threads introduced tags last year, there is room for improvement in streamlining the search process and enhancing the user experience through a more cohesive tag system or API implementation.
Moreover, opening up Threads’ API to developers could foster innovation and enable the creation of third-party apps, enriching the platform’s ecosystem. Unlike Threads, rivals like Bluesky and Mastodon have embraced the development of various clients by third-party developers, offering users more flexibility and choice.
The article also touches upon the need for Threads to establish its independence from Instagram, its primary growth driver. While the integration with Instagram has been instrumental in attracting users, there is a growing demand for separate profiles and enhanced messaging capabilities within Threads itself. Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, hints at potential developments in this direction, signaling a gradual shift towards greater autonomy for Threads.
Additionally, the article delves into the challenge of managing news and political content on Threads. Despite its stance on avoiding the promotion of such content, Threads may encounter issues as political topics emerge, especially as the platform expands globally. Learning from platforms like X and Mastodon, Threads must refine its approach to handling news and political discourse effectively.
Furthermore, the article underscores the importance of refining Threads’ algorithm to deliver more relevant and engaging content to users. While the platform’s “For You” feed has shown promise, there is room for improvement in ensuring that users receive personalized and engaging posts tailored to their interests.
In conclusion, while Threads has made significant strides in its first year, there are still areas for growth and enhancement. By learning from other social networks, addressing user feedback, and prioritizing key features like local content and algorithm refinement, Threads can continue to evolve and compete in the dynamic social media landscape.
