Instagram Threads messaging app gets a new user interface

Instagram’s standalone messaging app “Threads” has been redesigned with updated navigation and a Status tab. Instagram Threads also allows users to post photos and videos to Instagram Story.

The new UI layout on Instagram Threads makes it easier for users to navigate the app. There is a navigation bar at the bottom of the app for Status, Camera, and Inbox. This navigation bar will be static so users can easily switch between updating their status, opening the camera or sending messages to friends on Threads. These icons are currently accessible at the top of the application. Instagram feeds automatically update status based on the user’s location. It also allows users to set their own status on the app.

The navigation bar began rolling out globally to all users on November 19, according to a report from TechCrunch. Instagram feeds also support uploading photos and videos to stories. Previously, the app allowed users to post only to their close friends story. It is now possible to do this from Threads to everyone. This feature is already available on Threads, but the navigation bar has yet to reach users in India.

The new features come shortly after Instagram made a major change to Threads. First billed as a messaging app intended only for “close” friends, Instagram has made it possible to send messages to everyone on Threads. Now there is a tab for your close Instagram friends and another for everyone else. This change clearly contradicts the app’s very idea of keeping the app exclusive for close friends.

The ability to post on Instagram Stories is another indicator of the loss of its exclusive Threads status. The changes are quite confusing as Instagram has something else going on with its Messenger integration. Instagram users can now message their Facebook friends and vice versa. It also brings features like chat themes, reactions and replies to Instagram.