In a bid to rejuvenate interest and regain its initial momentum, Threads, Meta’s Twitter alternative, is introducing several feature updates this week.
Notably, Threads users will soon have the ability to directly send posts to contacts via Instagram DM, as confirmed by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. This enhancement streamlines sharing by incorporating a simple tap of the share button, unveiling the option for direct sharing.
Zuckerberg also provided a sneak peek of an upcoming mention button, which will streamline the process of tagging someone else’s account using the “@” symbol. Furthermore, users can now access a comprehensive list of all the Threads they’ve liked through the “Your likes” section on their profile page.
For those seeking enhanced control over their follower list, a new sorting feature is being introduced. Within the profile section, users can access their list of followers and trigger a “Sort” button. This button offers sorting options like “Latest first,” “Earliest first,” and the “Default view.” Additionally, a search box facilitates the location of specific individuals.
Threads is also adopting a more inclusive approach with the inclusion of custom alt-text for shared images. This feature empowers users to provide descriptions of image contents, catering to visually impaired individuals utilizing screen readers. Upon attaching an image or video to a post, users can access this option by tapping “Alt Text.”
Mark Zuckerberg recently announced forthcoming search and web access functionalities for the platform.
These updates represent a strategic move by Meta to retain active users on Threads. Despite the initial surge of 100 million users within days of its launch, driven primarily by its affiliation with Instagram, the app’s user base has significantly dwindled. Recent data from internet traffic tracker Similarseb indicates that Threads’ daily active users on Android have reduced to 12.6 million.
Undeterred, Zuckerberg remains optimistic about Threads’ potential, asserting its capacity to eventually attain a user base of 1 billion individuals.
