Threads App Enables Sharing of Posts to Instagram Direct Messages
While Elon Musk awaits medical clearance to engage in a cage match against Mark Zuckerberg, the rivalry between their respective companies persists in the realm of consumer adoption. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has taken a proactive approach by implementing frequent updates for Threads, in an attempt to compete with Musk’s unpredictable X (formerly Twitter). Zuckerberg recently revealed that the emerging platform now enables users to share posts on Instagram DMs, customize alternative text for visual content, and introduces a new mention feature.
The Send to Instagram option allows users to post their Threads directly to Instagram DMs via the Send button. The feature can be considered one of the “retention hooks” that Meta developed to ensure that “people on the Instagram app see important threads,” as reported by Reuters, chief product officer Chris Cox said at a recent company meeting. The strategy is said to be related to reports of declining engagement after the fledgling platform added more than 100 million users in less than a week. Zuckerberg reportedly described the decline as “normal” and expected retention to grow as Meta continues to flesh out the social channel launched in early July.
Custom Alt Text Option is an accessibility feature that allows Threads users to add (or edit existing, automatically generated) alt text to photos and videos before uploading. The new mention button makes it easier to tag profiles in your threads. Finally, the platform makes it easy to verify your identity on many different platforms, such as Mastodon. “You can now add a link to your Threads profile on supported platforms to verify your identity,” Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri wrote today.
These are just the latest additions that the Meta has released over the past few weeks. It announced earlier this month that a much-needed web version is coming, offering desktop access for the first time alongside a proper search function. Other post-release additions include a chronological feed and the ability to sort the following list and view liked posts.
