Meta's Threads, a rival social media platform for Twitter, has rolled out its first update since its explosive launch two weeks ago, adding many new features and quality-of-life changes.
The update is meant to attract new users and iron out existing users' experience on the platform. A software engineer for Instagram, Cameron Roth, shared a Threads post on Tuesday that announced additions to Meta's new app as part of an update to Apple's iOS.
Meta Releases First Update Since Explosive Launch
The app's follows tab will make it easier for users to see those following them. Additionally, people on the app will gain access to a new translate button that would allow them to read the text in other languages and more easily read posts from users that they do not follow.
Roth noted that the iOS update would include software bug fixes and loading improvements. Meta's new app was an instant hit with online users. It recorded 100 million sign-ups in the first five days of its launch, which prompted defensive statements from Twitter chief Elon Musk and CEO Linda Yaccarino, as per CNBC.
On the other hand, Sensor Tower and Similarweb data showed that Threads experienced some drops in growth and engagement the week following its launch.
Advertisers said that they hope that Meta's new app will incorporate more features, such as chronological feeds, and give users the ability to search for hashtags, which would help them create better ad campaigns when the opportunity opens up.
On Tuesday, Roth said in a separate Threads post regarding the update that users may have to restart their app so that they could see some of the changes or otherwise wait until the end of the day.
Despite the announcement, no information was given on when Android will get a similar update compared to Apple. But the Android beta program offers features before they are officially released to the publicly available app, according to Engadget.
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Addressing Various User Complaints
While the Threads update adds a slew of new features, a lot is still missing from the app that users are requesting. One issue that online users complain about is needing help completely removing themselves from Threads without deleting their Instagram accounts.
Meta has enough motivation to address various complaints and problems with its new app quickly. Additionally, greater parity could help the company sustain user interest in Threads as it considers a European Union rollout but is also looking to prepare for a significant expansion.
In a Threads post on Monday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that early growth for the new app was off the charts. He noted that as tens of millions of users return, the company's focus for the rest of the year was on improving the basics and retaining customers.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, who is also responsible for overseeing Threads, hinted at plans to introduce a pc version of Meta's new app, a feed of only accounts a user follows and an edit button, said CNN.
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