In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, new Threads features are stepping up the platform’s game with novel ways to engage, aiming to reclaim the spotlight as user engagement faces challenges.
While reports indicate that Threads’ popularity is waning as users gravitate back to familiar social apps, the Threads team remains undeterred, introducing a range of updates to rekindle interest and utility.
Will the new Threads features be able to change the course of the platform?
One notable addition making its way to Threads is the integration of voice posts. This new functionality, exemplified in a preview by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, enables users to attach voice clips alongside images and videos. While this might seem like no big deal for many Western users, it’s a significant enhancement in regions characterized by diverse languages.
#Instagram is working on the ability to create audio 🎙️ notes 👀 pic.twitter.com/u4YcPDRJ4x
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) June 20, 2023
The importance of voice posts
In places like India, where over a hundred languages are spoken, voice notes bridge the communication gap for those who might not be as fluent in writing across all languages. This practical feature could potentially open doors for broader app adoption, reaching billions of people who could benefit from a more versatile mode of expression.
Desktop version
Another upcoming development is the desktop version of Threads. With endorsements from both Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri, the desktop app is nearing release, undergoing internal testing by the Threads team. This move could make Threads more accessible and integrated into the daily workflow of journalists and publishers. Having the app on-screen during work hours could foster higher engagement and activity within the platform.
Repost feature and feed makeover
In response to user feedback, Threads is also introducing a “Reposts” tab on user profiles. This tab allows users to conveniently review all the threads they’ve reposted in one place. Additionally, the “Following Feed” is receiving a makeover, now showcasing reposts from accounts you follow. Previously, this feed focused solely on original posts, excluding reposts. This change aligns with user preferences and aims to create a more comprehensive view of the content you’re interested in.
While the concept of hashtags is ever-present in social media, Threads is taking a unique approach. Adam Mosseri leans towards not incorporating clickable hashtags within the app itself, instead favoring their integration into general text searches. While this might be a departure from the norm, it could streamline the user experience by relying on text-based queries.
Despite these promising updates, the elephant in the room remains – is Threads still relevant? Reports of declining usage have raised questions about the app’s viability and its ability to capitalize on its initial momentum. As new Threads features will continue to evolve and adapt the platform, the ultimate test lies in its ability to win back the hearts and thumbs of users amidst a rapidly changing social media landscape.
However, this test isn’t going to be easy. Despite Elon Musk’s highly debatable ways of running the platform formerly called “Twitter”, X is still the main social media stage for many users. Meanwhile, the news is contrastingly bad for Meta as half of the people who use Threads think it’s useless.
Featured image credit: Dave Adamson / Unsplash
