Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that Threads has surpassed 150 million monthly active users during Meta’s Q1 2024 earnings call. This milestone marks a significant increase from the 130 million users reported in February.
Integration with ActivityPub and Future Plans
Threads has taken notable steps towards integrating with ActivityPub, the decentralized protocol behind networks like Mastodon. In March, the company allowed U.S.-based users over 18 to connect their accounts to federated servers, enabling their posts to appear on other platforms. This move highlights Threads’ commitment to interoperability and its potential as a bridge between different social media ecosystems.
Additionally, Meta plans to release its API to developers by June, allowing them to build experiences around the platform. However, it remains unclear if Threads will permit the development of full-fledged third-party clients. The company’s cautious approach may be aimed at maintaining control over the user experience and ensuring that the platform remains aligned with its goals.
Exclusion from Meta’s AI Chatbot Launch
Last week, Meta launched its AI chatbot across Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, but excluded Threads from this list. This decision might be attributed to the lack of native direct messaging (DM) functionality on the platform. The absence of DM capabilities could be a significant limitation for users who rely on instant messaging features in their social media experiences.
New Features and User Engagement
Threads released a test feature enabling users to auto-archive their posts after a specified period. This feature also allows individual posts to be archived or unarchived, making them public. While this update may seem minor, it demonstrates the company’s willingness to iterate and improve the user experience based on feedback.
Comparison with X and User Base Growth
Threads is approximately nine months old, and Meta has been steadily expanding its audience. However, Instagram head Adam Mosseri clarified in October that Threads won’t "amplify news" on the platform. This clarification suggests that the platform’s primary focus lies elsewhere, potentially positioning it as a niche social network.
Interestingly, according to app analytics firm Apptopia, Business Insider reported that Threads now has more daily active users in the U.S. than X (formerly known as Twitter). This statistic underscores the growing popularity of Threads and its potential as a viable alternative to traditional social media platforms.
Conclusion
Threads’ steady growth and integration with ActivityPub demonstrate Meta’s commitment to creating a more interoperable and user-friendly platform. While the company’s decision to exclude the AI chatbot from Threads may be attributed to technical limitations, it remains to be seen how this move will impact user engagement in the long term.
The recent test feature release and planned API launch are steps in the right direction for the platform, potentially paving the way for further innovation and growth. With over 150 million monthly active users, Threads is undoubtedly an emerging player in the social media landscape, one that warrants continued attention and observation.
Timeline of Key Events:
- February: Threads reports 130 million monthly active users.
- March: Meta allows U.S.-based users over 18 to connect their accounts to federated servers.
- Q1 2024 earnings call: Mark Zuckerberg announces 150 million monthly active users.
- Last week: Meta launches AI chatbot across Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, excluding Threads.
- This week: Apptopia reports that Threads has more daily active users in the U.S. than X.
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