Threads App, Competing With Twitter, Introduces 'Repost Tab' And Anticipates Web Version Launch

Threads, an app built by the Instagram team, is a text-based conversation platform that allows users to share their thoughts, opinions, and creativity with others who have similar interests. Threads was launched in July 2023 as a rival to Twitter, which has been facing criticism for its premium features and censorship policies. Since its launch, Threads has been adding new features and improvements based on user feedback and suggestions. The latest update introduces a new 'Repost Tab' on the user's profile, which separates the original posts from the reposted ones. This feature aims to make it easier for users to access and manage their content, as well as to distinguish between their own posts and the ones they have shared from others. The update also adds reposts to the 'Following Feed', which shows the posts from the accounts that the user follows.

The 'Repost Tab' is a quality-of-life improvement that unclutters the main profile feed and leaves it for just the original posts by the user. This feature also highlights the difference between Threads and Twitter, as the latter does not have this functionality. On Twitter, the retweeted and original posts are shown in the same feed, which can create confusion and clutter for the user and their followers. On Threads, however, the user can easily switch between the 'Threads', 'Replies', and 'Reposts' tabs on their profile to view their content in a more organized way. The user can also see all the reposted threads in one place, which can help them keep track of their interests and preferences.

The update also brings reposts to the 'Following Feed', which is a reverse-chronological feed that shows only the posts from the accounts that the user follows. This feature improves the usability of the feed, as it allows the user to see not only the original posts but also the reposted ones from their favorite creators and communities. The 'Following Feed' is different from the 'For You Feed', which is the default feed that shows a mix of posts from the accounts that the user follows and algorithm-based recommendations. The 'For You Feed' is designed to help the user discover new content and accounts that they might like, while the 'Following Feed' is meant to help them stay updated with their existing connections and interests.

The new features are part of Threads' ongoing efforts to enhance its platform and compete with Twitter. The app has been receiving frequent updates since its launch, adding features such as voice notes, stickers, polls, hashtags, mentions, verification badges, and more. The app also plans to introduce more features in the near future, such as an improved search function and a web version of the platform. These features are expected to attract more users and increase engagement on Threads, which has seen a decline in its daily active users since its initial hype. According to a Similarweb blog post, almost 80 percent of Threads' daily active app users have stopped using it after its launch.

Threads is an ambitious project by Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), which aims to create a new space for text-based conversations on social media. The app leverages Instagram's user base and verification system, as well as Meta's resources and vision. The app offers users a new way to express themselves, connect with others, and find communities that share their passions and ideas. Threads also challenges Twitter's dominance in the microblogging space, by offering a different approach and experience for users. Whether Threads can succeed in its mission and compete with Twitter remains to be seen, but it is clear that the app is not giving up anytime soon.

Sources:

(1) Threads Grabs A New Separate “Repost” Tab On Profile. https://www.rmupdate.com/2023/08/18/threads-grabs-a-new-separate-repost-tab-on-profile/.

(2) Threads, an Instagram app - Apps on Google Play. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.barcelona.

(3) Threads. https://www.threads.net/.