Over a year after its launch, Threads is finally addressing one of its users’ most requested features: the ability to set their “Following” feed as their default view. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Monday that the feature is now being tested, alongside options to set the “For You” or a custom feed as the default.
Listening to Users: The Long-Awaited Feature
The introduction of this feature follows Threads’ recent rollout of custom feeds, which allow users to curate their feeds around specific topics or user profiles. This update enables Threads to compete with Bluesky, a decentralized social network that has gained traction by letting users build their own algorithms, feeds, and lists.
The timing is critical, as many former X (formerly Twitter) users have migrated to Bluesky. With Bluesky now boasting over 20 million users, Meta is clearly responding to user feedback to maintain Threads’ competitive edge.
A Response to “For You” Feed Frustration
Last week, Threads adjusted its “For You” feed to surface more content from followed accounts. While some users appreciated the change, others voiced frustration, calling for the ability to default to their “Following” feed instead. Instagram head Adam Mosseri received significant pushback on the announcement, highlighting the gap between user preferences and app functionality.
In response, the new feature now lets users choose their default feed, a move Zuckerberg described as an experiment to see “how and if people use this.” The rollout specifics remain unclear, with Meta yet to confirm whether all users or just select groups have access to the feature.
Rising Competition from Bluesky
Threads, which boasts a solid base of 275 million monthly active users, is facing stiff competition from Bluesky. According to market intelligence firm Similarweb, Bluesky’s daily active user count is growing rapidly, narrowing the gap with Threads. If this trend continues, Bluesky could eventually rival Threads in user engagement.
Meta’s Strategy to Stay Ahead
By introducing more user-centric features like custom feeds and default feed options, Threads aims to retain its users and prevent further migration to platforms like Bluesky. The updates suggest a renewed focus on responding to user demands and delivering a more personalized social media experience.
Threads’ move to allow users to set their default feed is a significant step in addressing long-standing user feedback. As the competition with Bluesky heats up, Threads must continue to innovate and adapt to user preferences to maintain its position in the rapidly evolving social media landscape.
