Meta’s Twitter-like app, Instagram Threads, is rolling out a new feature called custom feeds to its global audience. This move comes as X competitor Bluesky continues to soar in popularity, topping 20 million users since the U.S. elections. The introduction of custom feeds aims to capitalize on user demand for more personalization and challenge Bluesky’s own set of tools for personalization.
Why Custom Feeds Matter
The global launch of custom feeds on Threads signals that the app is moving quickly to topple some of the momentum that Bluesky has recently seen. Since the U.S. elections, Bluesky adoption has soared as users looked for an alternative to the now more right-leaning X, owned by Elon Musk. Other decisions at X have also pushed people to depart, including how it has changed the block feature and its policy around training AI models on user data.
The Rise of Bluesky
Bluesky has significantly grown its user base from around 7 million users just a couple of months ago to now north of 20 million. However, Threads retains the lead among X competitors, with more than 275 million monthly users, largely thanks to its ability to jump-start its network by leveraging Instagram’s social graph and integrations with Meta’s other apps.
The Problem with Default Feeds
Some users on Threads have been disappointed by its decision to deprioritize politics, and have asked for other options beyond the default algorithmic ‘For You’ feed and the chronological ‘Following’ feed. This is where custom feeds come in – a feature that allows users to easily build feeds around specific topics or those including certain user profiles.
How Custom Feeds Work
To use the feature, you’ll first need to search for and then tap into a topic to see the latest posts. From there, you’ll tap on the three-dot icon next to the search term and choose the option ‘create new feed.’ You can also choose to add specific user profiles to a feed by visiting the user’s profile, tapping the three-dot icon above their profile photo, and then tapping to add them to one of your feeds.
Pinning Custom Feeds
After the feeds are created, they can be pinned to the top of the Threads’ home screen on the web in the columns-based view (similar to Twitter’s TweetDeck or X Pro), making them easier to access. This feature is a significant improvement over the default feeds and will likely make users more engaged with the app.
Competing with Bluesky
The introduction of custom feeds on Threads comes only days after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the feature was entering testing. This signals that Threads is moving quickly to topple some of the momentum that Bluesky has recently seen. The feature is a direct response to user demand for more personalization and will likely help Threads retain its lead among X competitors.
The Future of Social Media
As social media platforms continue to evolve, it’s clear that users are looking for more personalized experiences. Custom feeds on Threads are a significant step in this direction and will likely set the tone for future innovations in social media. With Bluesky gaining momentum, it will be interesting to see how both platforms respond to user demand and innovate in the coming months.
The Impact of Personalization
Personalization is key to keeping users engaged on social media platforms. The introduction of custom feeds on Threads demonstrates Meta’s understanding of this need and its commitment to providing a more personalized experience for its users. As users become increasingly disillusioned with default algorithmic feeds, it will be interesting to see how both Bluesky and Threads respond to this trend.
The Role of Social Media in Society
As social media platforms continue to shape public discourse, it’s essential that they prioritize user needs and provide a more personalized experience. The introduction of custom feeds on Threads is a step in the right direction and demonstrates Meta’s commitment to providing a platform that meets the evolving needs of its users.
Conclusion
The introduction of custom feeds on Threads marks an important milestone for social media platforms, demonstrating their willingness to prioritize user needs and provide a more personalized experience. As Bluesky continues to gain momentum, it will be interesting to see how both platforms respond to user demand and innovate in the coming months.
Related Stories
- What is Bluesky? Everything to know about the X competitor
- Fintech Dub: The Copy Trading App That Has Teens Talking
- X Expands Lawsuit Over Advertiser Boycott to Include Lego, Nestle, and Pinterest
