Threads’ New Features: Will They Help?

Meta's Threads app has a familiar blend of features reminiscent of both Twitter and Instagram. Recently, Threads added more features for users. And they're wise to do so: data from Similarweb indicates that during the first week in July, the daily active user count for Threads was 49 million. It dropped to 23.6 million by the beginning of the next week.

In July, USA Today reported a decline in the amount of time people spend on the app. Usage time decreased from 21 minutes on July 7 to just over six minutes on July 14. This represents less than a third of the initial usage.

TechCrunch noted that Instagram Threads, a rival to Meta's X, is introducing more X-like features in rapid succession. This includes the addition of polls and GIFs, alongside other recent updates. For instance, a desktop version, an edit button, profile switching, likes, full-text search, a chronological feed, voice posts, and more.

As Threads strives to keep users engaged, they're quick to add features that X users are used to. Polls are known for boosting engagement on Twitter and X platforms. This allows users who don't frequently post to participate in discussions and share their opinions. Poll creators can also attract new followers and get a sense of public sentiment without the need for formal surveys. Additionally, polls can be used for fun purposes. For example, deciding what to have for dinner or selecting a movie to watch.

Elon Musk, the owner of X, has notably used polls to make decisions about the company's direction. This includes stepping down as the company's head, offering "amnesty" to banned accounts, or reviving Vine, the short video platform that Twitter took out in 2016.

On Threads, polls run for 24 hours, and users have control over who can respond to them, similar to managing responses to regular posts. Regarding GIFs, they continue to be of interest to online users, with Giphy providing the new GIFs feature on Threads.

These features are currently available on the Threads mobile app but have not been introduced on the web version as of now.

Threads, the Twitter alternative created by Meta, has been officially released and gained ten million sign-ups within its first seven hours, as confirmed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The platform has already garnered significant support from various celebrities.

If you take a peek at Threads, you'll notice that it shamelessly resembles Twitter. It's no secret that Meta is aiming to lure users away from Elon Musk's struggling platform. The site made its grand debut, poised to give Twitter a run for its money in a way that previous alternatives like Mastodon and Bluesky couldn't quite achieve.

Created by the Instagram team, this fresh app offers a platform for sharing text updates and participating in public conversations. With this app, you have the freedom to create posts up to 500 characters in length, incorporating links, photos, and videos that can be up to 5 minutes long.

Since Musk assumed control of Twitter late last year, numerous Twitter users have expressed their desire for an alternative platform. Technical glitches and frequent policy changes have prompted some prominent Twitter users to seek greener pastures elsewhere.

Meta has a distinct advantage in terms of its existing user base. With over 2 billion active Instagram users worldwide, Meta aims to attract a significant portion of them to its new app. In contrast, Twitter's active user base stands at approximately 250 million.

"It’ll take some time, but I think there should be a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people on it," Zuckerberg said in a Threads post. "Twitter has had the opportunity do this but hasn’t nailed it. Hopefully we will."

The roster of celebrity names jumping on board continues to grow. Shakira, Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, and Kourtney Kardashian, have started accounts. So has Will Smith, and Jennifer Lopez, who have all hopped on the Threads and already have tens of thousands of followers.

Thanks to the carryover of usernames and verification from Instagram, Threads can effortlessly assemble an impressive lineup of famous faces and brands. And it's not just Hollywood stars joining the party. Jack Harlow, Zayn Malik, Gordon Ramsay, Karlie Kloss, Liam Payne, Ellie Goulding, and even the Dalai Lama have been spotted logging on to the app.

Take a look at celebrity posts extending a warm welcome to the new app.

Gordon Ramsay, the culinary genius, is not just a master in the kitchen but also a pro at sarcasm. With his razor-sharp wit and quick comebacks, he knows how to dish out sarcastic remarks. Even on the new app saying "Is this where I find the lamb sauce ??"

It's interesting to see the Dalai Lama embracing the wild world of social media. It's like watching your wise old grandparent try to navigate a roller coaster ride.

Zooey Deschanel, the talented actress known for her unique charm, brings her wit not only to the big screen but also to the realm of social media. With her quick and clever sense of humor, she effortlessly drew in a laugh with her Threads post. "Falling for Threads like I'm falling off this hammock," she said.

Ellen DeGeneres enthusiastically joined in on the Threads fun, radiating happiness and embracing the inclusive spirit of the platform. "Welcome to Gay Twitter!" she wrote.

Steve Aoki is not just known for his music but also for his signature cake throwing antics. Now, on the new app, he's taking his talent for throwing jokes. His post to the app about social media manager rates going up is quite fitting.

Shaquille O'Neal, the larger-than-life basketball legend, is not only known for his impressive skills on the court but also for his playful and mischievous nature off the court. He's a true jokester who loves to bring laughter to any situation including his first post on the new app, "THE DIESEL IS HERE."