Threads, Meta's social media platform, is rolling out a test of custom feeds that will allow users to curate content around specific topics and people they care about.
Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, unveiled the new feature which enables users to switch between different feeds by pulling down on the home screen. Users can toggle between the default "For You" algorithmic feed, a "Following" feed, and their personalized custom feeds.
This update addresses one of the major feature gaps since Threads' launch, when the platform faced criticism for lacking basic social media capabilities like chronological and custom feed options. Many users had previously abandoned the platform due to these limitations.
The move appears to be a competitive response to rising challenger Bluesky, which has seen remarkable growth with approximately one million new user signups daily. Bluesky's decentralized approach and robust feed customization options have helped fuel its recent surge in popularity.
However, some users have expressed concerns about the implementation, noting that the app still defaults to the algorithmic "For You" feed rather than allowing them to set custom or "Following" feeds as their primary view. Whether Threads will enable default feed selection remains unclear, as algorithmic feeds typically drive higher engagement metrics.
The custom feeds feature represents Meta's latest effort to enhance Threads' functionality and retain users in an increasingly competitive social media landscape. As the platform continues to evolve, user response to these new capabilities will likely shape future development priorities.