Threads, the Twitter-like application by Meta, adds a ‘Following’ feed

In the midst of the uncertainty surrounding Twitter‘s sudden rebranding as X, Meta sees an opportunity to attract those who have left Twitter and are now seeking fresh alternatives. To achieve this, Threads will undergo enhancements that aim to make the user experience more akin to the traditional Twitter interface.

The most significant addition is the introduction of a ‘Following’ feed, complementing the existing ‘For you’ stream that displays recommended and followed content. With this update, Threads users will have the option to exclusively view content from the profiles they have decided to follow within the application.

The ‘Following’ feed, presented in a chronological order, was a notable feature missing from the app when it was first launched. This absence led Threads users to navigate through a continuous stream of unfamiliar accounts, and the peculiar recommendations they encountered deterred many users from continuing to use the app.

In this scenario, the issue arose from Instagram using your Instagram graph as a substitute for gauging your interests in Threads. Consequently, it displayed Threads content from accounts that you either already followed or had previously shown interest in on Instagram. However, since people use Instagram and Twitter with distinct intentions, the content shown often did not align with the updates you would prefer to see in your Threads stream.

With the latest changes, you will gain greater control over the content displayed, significantly resembling the Twitter experience. This increased control is expected to improve engagement and interactions within the app, making it more appealing to users.

While the ‘Following’ stream may result in reduced Threads viewing metrics as users shift to this option and see content solely from accounts they follow, Meta might have hesitated to make it the default setting for this reason. Currently, to access the ‘Following’ stream, users must tap on the Threads logo at the top of the main feed, which reveals the two tabs, allowing them to swipe between each feed.

Meta’s preference is for users to continue viewing content from a diverse array of sources to enhance exposure for creators and showcase the most successful content from all corners of the app. They aim to discourage users from narrowing their focus exclusively to niche groups. Perhaps, in the future, as the Threads algorithm improves and gains a better understanding of what users seek from the app, striking a balance between personalized content and broader content exposure may become a more feasible option.

Currently, the inclusion of the ‘Following’ feed is a significant enhancement that undoubtedly improves the user experience of Threads.

Furthermore, Threads has introduced post translations as an additional feature.

In this instance, Threads will automatically translate posts in the feed, considering the language in which they are written and the language preferences of the viewer. Moreover, users will have the option to manually translate posts into different languages by tapping the translation button located at the bottom right of the post.

In addition, Meta has introduced fresh sorting choices for your ‘Activity’ feed, allowing you to filter the displayed actions based on follows, quotes, and reposts. Furthermore, a new ‘Follow’ button has been added to your followers list, making it easier for you to diversify your feed by following new voices.

In addition to the previous updates, Meta has included a new activity-tracking feature, allowing users to access a comprehensive list of their liked posts (found in the ‘Settings’ menu). Moreover, there is now an option to ‘approve all’ follow requests, providing another way for users to expand their Threads connections.

These updates are indeed useful, with the ‘Following’ feed standing out as the most significant one.

Considering Twitter’s ongoing transformation into Elon Musk’s ‘X’ vision, it might be an opportune moment for users to explore real-time social alternatives. As a result, more former Twitter users are likely to seek alternatives like Threads.