6 New Feature Updates on Threads

Threads, X's major competition since its launch in July, has been finding more ways to beat the fierce competition and make users' experience better and smoother. The launch of Threads brought a huge buzz and even generated the phrase 'Thread careful' upon its release. While it was a new app, it hit milestones that even AI ChatGPT couldn't reach.

As more people hopped on the app, they started to request features they were used to on the massive competitor X. Like a developing app, Threads' makers have listened. Threads has introduced several new features to enhance the user experience and make the platform more appealing to a wider audience. Major updates are revealed in this article to share what you may be missing on Threads.

Here are six of the latest feature updates on Threads:

1. Trending Topics Feature

Threads is taking on X, formerly Twitter, by preparing to launch a trending topics feature. This highly-anticipated feature was accidentally revealed in a screenshot posted by a Threads employee. The screenshot displayed a numbered list of trending topics, along with the number of active discussions on each topic. While Threads' trending topics list doesn't yet include personalized categories like news, sports, or entertainment, it's a significant step towards making Threads a competitor to X in terms of breaking news and timely conversations. With this feature, Threads users can stay updated on what's currently trending and join relevant discussions.

2. Edit Button Rollout:

In a move to enhance user convenience, Threads has rolled out an edit button. This feature allows users to edit their posts within five minutes of posting them. Previously, users had to delete a post and repost it if they wanted to make corrections. Unlike X, which added an edit button and reserved it for subscription-based users, Threads is offering this feature to all users for free. This update is a practical addition, making it easier for users to correct typos and errors in their posts.

3. Voice Threads:

Another exciting feature introduced by Threads is "Voice Threads." This feature allows users to create voice posts, adding a new dimension to their interactions on the platform. Users can initiate voice posts by starting a new thread or replying to existing threads. After tapping the microphone icon, a voice recording, and an automatically generated caption are generated, which users can edit as needed. Voice Threads provide an alternative means of communication on the platform, catering to those who prefer voice-over text.

4. Profile Switching:

Threads has also added a profile-switching feature to its mobile apps. This update allows users to switch between multiple accounts without logging out and back in. Users can long-press the profile icon in the bottom right of the app to access this feature. They can then add new profiles, making it easier to switch between personal and work profiles. The exact number of accounts that can be added to the profile-switching feature remains unspecified.

5. Verification on External Platforms:

One of the most notable developments is the ability to verify your Threads profile on external social media platforms, like Mastodon. This feature doesn't provide the coveted blue checkmark next to your Threads name like X. Instead, it allows users to prove that a Threads profile linked on other platforms is genuinely owned by them. This is a significant step as it demonstrates Threads' willingness to connect with decentralized social media. To verify your Threads profile, you link it to your profile on external platforms like Mastodon.

6. Direct Messages (DMs):

To enhance user interaction and communication, Threads is set to introduce direct messaging (DMs) soon. This feature will enable users to engage in chats with their friends and followers directly on the platform. Given Meta's experience with implementing DMs across its other platforms, the rollout of this feature to Threads is expected to be seamless. The addition of DMs is likely to increase user engagement and provide a more comprehensive communication experience.

Other Features Beneficial to Content Creators and Influencers:

1. Send Threads Posts As Instagram Direct Messages: Users can now share Threads in Instagram Direct Messages by tapping the “Send on Instagram” option. This feature can help creators with a large audience on IG move their traffic to Threads.
2. Keep Track Of Your Likes: There’s an entirely new way to view all liked threads. Users can navigate to their profile settings and tap on "Your Likes" to see all Threads posts they have enjoyed recently. This will help content creators analyze the impact of their content, at least through likes.
3. Sort The List Of Accounts You Follow: Moreover, the capacity to sort the accounts you follow by the latest or earliest was introduced. Users can tap the number of accounts following them on their profile, tap on the following tab, and sort the Threads accounts by the latest or earliest followed. This will help content creators analyze their followers to protect their brand identity.
4. Add ALT Text For Images: Adding custom alt-text to images and videos has been made possible, reflecting a more accessible-friendly approach. This feature will help creators be easily found with their pictures and content, allowing them to trend faster.
5. A New Button For Mentions: Mark Zuckerberg also mentioned a new mention button on Threads profiles that allows users to mention someone in a new Threads post. This is an opportunity for collaboration. Creators can mention their collaborators and attract more eyes to their posts.

Conclusion:

These new features reflect Threads' commitment to continuous improvement and its efforts to compete with social media giants like X (Twitter). While Threads may still be in the process of gaining the user base of its competitors, these feature updates show that it is not shying away from innovation and aims to provide a diverse and appealing user experience.