iOS Threads App Now Allows Users to View New Followers
Meta has released a notable update to Threads, their recently launched social network. This update, explained by Cameron Roth from the company, introduces a Follows tab to the activity feed on the iOS app. This new feature simplifies the process of identifying who has recently followed you, making it more convenient to follow them back. As a result, users can now check their Instagram follower list to ensure they haven’t missed anyone.
The update also adds translations to the text, so you have more incentive to follow people speaking unknown languages. You can subscribe to unfollowed users to receive notifications without cluttering your timeline. There are also some basic interface improvements, like reposter stickers that you can tap on. The app needs to be slimmer and smoother, especially when you’re loading or browsing your activity feed.
Some features are enabled server-side, so don’t be surprised if not all of them are available right away. Roth says they should be available by the end of today (July 18). There’s no mention of when Android will receive a similar update, but we’ve reached out to Meta for comment and will let you know if we hear back. However, the Android beta program offers features before they make it to the publicly available app.
There are still numerous missing features, and the Threads team is aware of that. You can’t use a chronological feed, direct messages, or hashtags yet. You can’t completely remove yourself from Threads without also removing your Instagram account. And without the full web version, it’s usually not practical to use Threads on a computer. This first update shows that Meta is at least living up to some of its promises, although it may take a while to resolve every issue.
Metal has the motivation to act quickly. Thread usage declines after the initial spike, and the lack of some features (like hashtags and a web app) can keep new users away. Greater parity could help sustain interest as Meta considers European Union adoption and otherwise prepares for significant expansion.
