The app is rolling out its markup feature to all users, too.
Meta’s Threads app is rolling out some exciting new features that bring it closer to its social media sibling, Instagram. In a move that is set to enhance user experience and engagement, Threads is introducing a dedicated media tab to showcase users’ photo and video posts, along with photo tagging capabilities. These additions mark another step in Threads’ evolution as it competes with platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky.
A Long-Awaited Feature: The Dedicated Media Tab
For those who share a lot of visual content, the dedicated media tab is a highly anticipated update. Instagram head Adam Mosseri confirmed that this feature has been one of the most requested by the Threads community. Similar to how X and Bluesky display media in a separate section of a user’s profile, Threads will now provide a dedicated space where users can conveniently browse all photos and videos shared by an account.
This change makes it easier for followers to engage with visual content without scrolling through long text-based posts. With platforms like Bluesky even adding a dedicated video tab, Threads’ decision to implement a media tab ensures that it remains competitive in the ever-evolving social media landscape.
Photo Tagging Comes to Threads
Another Instagram-inspired addition to Threads is photo tagging, a feature familiar to most social media users. When posting a photo, users will now have the ability to tag others by searching for their handles. Once tagged, the names will be visible to others, making it easier to connect and interact with friends, influencers, and brands within the app.
Photo tagging not only improves engagement but also helps with content discovery. Brands, creators, and regular users alike can leverage this feature to increase visibility, foster collaborations, and enhance user interaction. Given how crucial tagging is on Instagram, this update is expected to be a significant boost for Threads’ usability and social engagement.
Global Rollout of the Threads Markup Tool
In addition to the media tab and photo tagging, Mosseri also announced that Threads’ markup tool—which was introduced last week—will now be available to all users worldwide. This feature allows users to doodle and add creative elements on top of other people’s posts, offering a fun and interactive way to engage with content. The markup tool is yet another example of Threads incorporating playful and expressive features to make the platform more engaging.
Meta’s Aggressive Expansion Strategy for Threads
Over the past few months, Meta has significantly ramped up updates for Threads, ensuring it remains a strong competitor in the microblogging and social media space. The platform has faced increasing pressure from emerging rivals like Bluesky, which has been introducing innovative features to attract users. In response, Meta has been strategically integrating familiar yet effective tools to keep users engaged and encourage new sign-ups.
So far, this strategy appears to be working. Threads has now amassed an impressive 320 million monthly users, with 100 million of them returning daily, according to Mosseri. This rapid growth signals that users are resonating with the app’s updates and expanding functionalities. Additionally, Meta recently began testing its first ads on Threads, signaling the company’s intent to monetize the platform as it continues to scale.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Threads?
With the introduction of a media tab, photo tagging, and a globally available markup tool, Threads is positioning itself as a major player in the social media space. These features not only make the app more engaging but also bring it closer in functionality to Instagram and its competitors.
As Meta continues to iterate and improve upon Threads, it will be interesting to see what new enhancements roll out next. Will we see even more Instagram-like integrations, or will Threads carve out a unique identity of its own? One thing is certain: the platform is evolving quickly, and users are taking notice.
Stay tuned for more updates as Threads continues to grow and reshape the social media landscape!
