Threads App to Introduce ‘Following’ Feed and More

Meta Platforms has launched Threads, an app that is being hailed as a potential rival to Twitter. While it benefits from the support of Instagram, it is missing a vital feature – a feed exclusively displaying posts from users you follow. Currently, Threads displays content from both followed and unfollowed accounts. In contrast, Twitter provides distinct “Following” and “For You” feeds, according to TechCrunch.

However, there is good news for Threads fans. Instagram executive Adam Mosseri responded to requests that it is on the list of planned features. Mosseri made this statement in response to a post by YouTuber Marques Brownlee. Since Instagram already has a “Following” list view alongside the default algorithmic feed, it seems logical that Threads would include one as well.

Other improvements to the list, according to Mosser, include the ability to switch between Threads accounts and the ability to edit posts.

But that’s not all! The app lacks other basic features, such as the ability to search for hashtags. Also, if you want to share the thread on your website, there’s no embed code yet – just the URL. While users have requested the ability to double-tap to like a post, Mosseri explained that implementing this would conflict with tapping a thread to view the entire thread.

What are the limitations?

Threads allows Instagram users to log in with their existing credentials and post short updates that include text (up to 500 characters), links, photos and videos (up to five minutes). Currently available for iOS and Android devices in 100 countries, Threads is not available in the EU due to local privacy regulations.

While Jack Dorsey-backed Bluesky has gained popularity by leveraging a decentralized protocol, the AT protocol, Instagram’s Threads app will soon support ActivityPub — the same protocol used by open-source Twitter alternative Mastodon and other connected apps.

To access a thread, users must first be authenticated using their Instagram credentials. The app then displays their current account information, including their name, username, photo, and followers. The status of the confirmation is also transferred to the new application.