Meta’s Instagram Threads has just rolled out a new custom feed feature, bringing a fresh twist to how users interact with their favorite topics and profiles. Available globally as of this week, the feature empowers users to personalize their feeds like never before, marking a significant move in the ongoing battle of microblogging platforms.
What’s New in Threads?
Threads now lets users:
- Create custom feeds tailored to their interests.
- Search topics or profiles to curate personalized content.
- Switch effortlessly between “For You,” “Following,” and custom feeds by pulling down on the home screen.
The feature builds on Threads’ core mission to simplify content discovery while giving users greater control over what they see.
Keeping Up with Bluesky
This update comes hot on the heels of Bluesky’s recent popularity surge. Known for its user-friendly approach to building custom lists and feeds, Bluesky has gained traction as prominent figures and companies increasingly turn away from Elon Musk’s X.
Bluesky’s CEO, Jay Graber, reported an impressive growth rate of nearly 1 million new users daily over the past week, pushing the platform’s total user base to 20.7 million. However, it still has a long way to catch up with Threads, which boasts over 275 million monthly active users.
While Threads may have initially struggled with retention—losing more than 80% of its user base within months of its June 2023 launch—it has rebounded with 15 million signups in November alone.
A Strategic Move for Threads
Threads’ custom feed launch is a calculated step in Meta’s broader strategy to keep the app relevant in a crowded social media landscape. By introducing features similar to Bluesky, Threads aims to attract and retain users by offering a more personalized and dynamic experience.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg hinted at the update last week, showcasing the company’s commitment to evolving Threads in response to user feedback and competitive pressures.
Why It Matters
The custom feed feature could redefine how users engage with Threads, allowing them to craft a social media experience that feels uniquely theirs. As social platforms increasingly cater to niche audiences, features like this could give Threads a competitive edge, especially against rivals like Bluesky and X.
With its massive user base and Meta’s robust resources, Threads is well-positioned to reclaim its early momentum and become a major player in the microblogging arena.
