Is Threads Still Good to Use After a Year? Here's What Meta Can Pick up From Other Social Media Apps to Improve It

Threads, Meta's attempt to disrupt the social media world, recently celebrated its first birthday with a respectable 175 million monthly active users. However, the platform faces an identity crisis.

Can it carve out a unique space amidst established players like Twitter and upstarts like Bluesky and Mastodon?

Rapid Feature Rollout, Feedback, and Growing Integration

Threads wants its users to celebrate its anniversary on social media with a new birthday cake icon. Some users are happy using the platform while some say that there's a need to improve it.

Threads hasn't wasted time. Since launch, it's introduced significant features:

• Multiple Profiles: Cater to different interests.
• Web App: Accessibility across devices.
• Desktop Interface: Similar to Tweetdeck for power users.
• Trending Topics (US): Stay on top of current events.
• Mute/Quote Reply Controls: Manage interactions effectively.
• Integration with the Fediverse, a decentralized network of social media platforms, is also underway. Users can connect their accounts, share posts, and view likes/replies from other Fediverse servers.

Following users directly from these servers, however, is not yet possible.

Learning from the Competition: Customization and Openness

While Threads allows tagging, users often resort to multiple tags for the same event (e.g., WWDC, WWDC 2024, etc.). Implementing a system akin to Bluesky's "custom feeds" would be helpful, allowing users to combine tags or create search filters for a more refined experience, TechCrunch suggests.

Threads recently opened its API to developers. However, unlike rivals like Mastodon and Bluesky, it doesn't allow third-party apps to access content. This restricts the potential for innovative user experiences.

'For You' Algorithm: A Work in Progress

Threads' "For You" feed, its answer to personalized content curation, has generated confusion. Random posts outside users' interests often appear. Improving the algorithm to ensure relevant suggestions is crucial.

Threads and Instagram: Towards Separation?

Threads leveraged Instagram integration for initial user growth. Now, with a critical mass of its own, a complete separation might be beneficial.

Currently, creating a Threads profile independent of Instagram is impossible, and direct messaging requires switching to Instagram. However, Meta's Adam Mosseri has expressed interest in "Threads-only accounts" and "data separation" in the future.

Handling Politics and News in One Frame

Threads avoids actively promoting news and politics. However, these topics can still surface in trending content. As the platform expands globally, it needs a plan to handle potentially disruptive political content without stifling news altogether.

Platforms like Mastodon's "bylines linked with author accounts" feature offer helpful context for news consumption.

Local Content: Leveraging Existing Strengths

Threads strategically benefits from Instagram's experience with regional partnerships. This expertise can be leveraged to surface relevant local content, as seen with live scores for NBA, MLS, and Euro 2024. Missing out on major sporting events like the T20 World Cup indicates room for improvement.

Addressing User Needs and Building a Distinct Identity

Threads' rapid feature rollout demonstrates a commitment to improvement. While its relationship with Mastodon is amicable, competitor Bluesky isn't on their radar. However, Mosseri's aim seems clear - to dethrone Twitter.

Threads has established itself as a contender. But it must focus on user needs:

• Customization: Provide tools for refined content discovery.
• Openness: Embrace the potential of third-party apps.
• Refined Algorithms: Ensure personalized feeds are truly relevant.
• Local Content Curation: Leverage existing partnerships for regional relevance.

Addressing these areas strategically will help Threads carve out a distinct space in the ever-evolving social media landscape. Will it ultimately challenge Twitter's dominance? Only time will tell.