Threads has added a highly requested new feature with the launch of a ‘following’ feed.
Thanks to the app’s latest update, you can now switch to the new timeline that only shows posts from people you follow.
The feed is organised in reverse-chronological order, showing you the latest content first. You can access it by tapping the Threads logo at the top of the app and selecting the ‘following’ timeline.
Users have been clamouring for the new feed since the app’s launch earlier this month. With engagement on the platform shown to be dipping, Threads will need to keep the updates coming thick and fast to remain relevant.
Users have requested a laundry list of missing features already available on its storied rival Twitter, including a web version of the platform, the ability to view liked posts, and trending topics.
The new following feed was probably the most in-demand feature of the lot, so it’s no wonder it’s part of the app’s biggest update so far.
Until now, Threads has relied on a timeline featuring posts recommended by an algorithm.
While the move made sense during its salad days, due to fears of a dearth of content, Threads surprised everyone by quickly gaining more than 100 million users.
However, the algorithmic feed remains the default timeline on the platform. That means you’ll have to switch to the new Following feed every time you close and reopen the app.
In that sense, Threads has repeated the mistake made by its main competitor, Twitter.
Elon Musk’s platform — which recently rebranded as “X” — initially forced its algorithmic feed on everyone back in January. After a swift backlash, the company backtracked by remembering the timeline chosen by users, including its reverse-chronological Following feed or a pinned list.
The Threads update also brings translations for non-English posts, new ways to organise notifications in your activity tab, and a new follow button. In addition, accounts set to private can now approve all their followers in one go.
Adam Mosseri, who leads Threads and Instagram for parent company Meta, suggested that more features were in the pipeline.
“This is just the beginning,” he said in a Threads post announcing the new feed on Tuesday. “Thanks for the feedback as always — and please keep sending through as we make even more updates to improve your experience on this app.”
