Instagram and Threads, both Meta-owned platforms, maybe on their way to becoming a little more intertwined. Recent findings suggest that Instagram is experimenting with a feature that would allow users to share comments on Instagram posts directly in Threads. This potential integration was spotted by Alessandro Paluzzi, who is known for uncovering future features of Meta.
According to Paluzzi, when users comment on an Instagram post, they may soon see a drop-down menu with the option to share that comment not only on Instagram but also on Threads. This feature could be a way to bridge user interaction between the two platforms. And it could be a way for Meta to use Threads to increase its popularity.
Post by @alex193aView on Threads
Meta’s countermeasure to X: Link between Instagram and Threads
This wouldn’t be the first time Meta has introduced overlap between its platforms. Instagram and Facebook users have already seen Threads posts integrated into their feeds, though users can opt out of that feature. And while Threads doesn’t have its direct messaging feature, Meta allows users to communicate through Instagram’s messaging system.
Meta’s broader goal of linking Threads to the fediverse—a decentralized network of platforms—has been progressing slowly. The company has made moves to allow replies from the fediverse to appear on Threads posts. This gradual integration indicates a bigger plan to make Threads not just an isolated app, but a part of a larger, interconnected digital space.
To tie the potential integration of Instagram comments into Threads with the broader competition between Threads and X (formerly Twitter), the move can be seen as Meta’s strategic push to boost Threads’ popularity amidst its rivalry with Elon Musk’s platform. Since its launch, Threads initially gained important traction, reaching 100 million users in just a week, and becoming the fastest-growing social media app. However, Threads’ active daily users dropped sharply after its peak, from over 41 million to just 10 million by August. In comparison, X continues to maintain around 200 million daily active users, with users spending an average of 31 minutes per day on the platform.
Meta’s potential move to allow Instagram comments to be shared on Threads could be part of a broader strategy to reignite user engagement, leveraging Instagram’s massive user base to keep Threads relevant. In contrast, X remains a leading platform for real-time updates and discussions. By introducing this feature, Meta could streamline cross-platform conversations, potentially pulling more active Instagram users into Threads. Given the stiff competition between the two platforms, this could be a key move in boosting Threads’ popularity and closing the gap with X.
Featured image credit: Furkan Demirkaya / Dall-E
