Introduction

In a bold move to compete with the emergent social media platform Bluesky, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Friday that Threads will be testing new custom feeds tailored to specific topics and profiles. This initiative aims to enhance user experience by enabling individuals to explore and engage with communities that reflect their interests more accurately.

Background on Bluesky's Growth

This strategic announcement comes on the heels of Bluesky's remarkable growth, particularly after the recent U.S. presidential election. As the platform formerly known as Twitter, now rebranded as X, has leaned towards a more right-wing narrative under Elon Musk's ownership, many left-leaning users have found themselves seeking alternatives. Bluesky has successfully capitalized on this shift, skyrocketing from approximately 700,000 new users in a week to an astonishing 1 million new sign-ups within just 24 hours.

Threads' Response to User Demand

Recognizing this momentum, Threads is eager to address user demands for personalized content. While Threads has predominantly relied on its default 'For You' feed, the introduction of customizable feeds will empower users to curate their content by following specific individuals and topics of interest.

How to Create Custom Feeds

To create a custom feed on Threads, users can easily search for a topic, tap the three-dot icon next to it, and select 'create new feed.' Additionally, users can add specific profiles to their feeds by visiting those profiles and utilizing the same three-dot icon feature.

Current Limitations

However, it’s worth noting that not all Threads users currently have access to this feature, as the company is in the early stages of testing. Those fortunate enough to be part of the test group will find their custom feeds accessible by pulling down on the home screen, where they can navigate between their Following and For You feeds alongside any custom feeds they have created.

User Frustrations

Despite the excitement surrounding custom feeds, this feature is somewhat hidden within the user interface, leading to frustrations among users who reported that the Threads 'For You' feed failed to provide up-to-date content during significant events like election night. This highlights a crucial area for Threads to improve, as the apparent difficulty in accessing different feeds may hinder user engagement during key moments.

Conclusion

As Threads continues to evolve, it remains to be seen if these custom feeds will significantly counter Bluesky's rising popularity and help retain users who might be tempted to migrate to this new rival. In the ever-competitive landscape of social media, user experience and adaptability will be vital for both platforms to thrive.