Meta has introduced a new feature on its text-based social media platform, Threads, that showcases trending topics, drawing comparisons to X, formerly known as Twitter.
Since its launch, Threads has evolved significantly from a simple platform for sharing thoughts into a feature-rich social media space. Initially, Threads offered limited functionalities, but Meta has consistently added new features, such as the following tab, hashtags, and separate for you and following updates. It’s evident that Threads has gradually incorporated features reminiscent of X. Now, Meta has taken another step in that direction with the addition of a trending topics section.
According to a report by Business Insider, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Tuesday that Threads is rolling out its trending section in the United States. This announcement comes five weeks after Zuckerberg revealed the app was testing the display of top topics. He emphasized the team’s commitment to refining the feature before its broader release to more countries and languages. The latest update, now live in the U.S., features five trending topics displayed beneath the search bar.
Meta stated that their AI systems identify trending topics based on the volume of posts mentioning a subject and the engagement levels on those posts. Selected topics are reviewed to ensure they are neither misleading nor repetitive.
While Threads’ trending topics feature bears similarities to X, it differs in presentation. Threads place the trending topics discreetly under the search bar and limit the display to five topics. In contrast, X lists up to 30 trending topics and has a dedicated section under the explore tab on the desktop sidebar.
For those unfamiliar, Threads was launched by Meta in July 2023 as a conversational platform, leveraging Instagram’s success. Initially, deleting a Threads account required deleting the associated Instagram account, but this policy changed a few months ago.
Within its first week, Threads amassed 100 million sign-ups, with an additional 30 million monthly active users since, as reported by Zuckerberg during Meta’s fourth-quarter earnings call. At one point, Threads was even considered a potential alternative to X due to its similar features.
Like X, Threads allows users to share text-based posts up to 500 characters, videos up to five minutes long, as well as links and photos. Users can follow creators and other users and engage in discussions on topics of mutual interest.
When Threads launched, X had recently implemented significant changes, such as imposing a rate limit and restricting users from viewing tweets without a Twitter account. These changes frustrated many users, who then sought alternative platforms to share their thoughts.
Meta’s Threads continues to evolve, offering users new features that enhance the social media experience. The introduction of trending topics is a significant step, drawing clear parallels to X. As Threads grows, it aims to provide a robust alternative to existing platforms.
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