Meta`s Threads, the burgeoning social network touted as a Twitter and Instagram rival, is marking steady growth, according to Mark Zuckerberg`s remarks in Meta`s Q1 2024 earnings call. The platform boasts over 150 million monthly active users, a notable uptick from its 130 million count in February.
In a strategic move towards integration, Threads has embraced ActivityPub, the decentralized protocol underpinning networks like Mastodon. This March, the platform opened its doors to U.S.-based users over 18, enabling them to link their accounts to the Fediverse for cross-server visibility of their posts.
Looking ahead, Threads aims to democratize its ecosystem by releasing its API to a broad spectrum of developers by June. However, the extent of access for third-party client development remains ambiguous.
Meta`s recent rollout of an AI chatbot across its flagship platforms—Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram—did not extend to Threads, possibly due to the absence of native direct messaging features.
In a recent update, Threads introduced a test feature allowing users to automatically archive their posts after a specified duration, affording greater control over content visibility.
Despite being a fledgling platform of merely nine months, Threads has steadily garnered momentum under Meta`s wing. However, it distinguishes itself from a direct X alternative, as affirmed by Instagram Head Adam Mosseri`s October statement disavowing the platform`s role in news amplification.
Nonetheless, Threads` ascent remains palpable. Recent reports from app analytics firm Apptopia suggest that Threads now boasts more daily active users in the U.S. than X, signaling a promising trajectory for Meta`s social network venture.
