Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) is reportedly gearing up to rejuvenate its microblogging sensation, Threads, by introducing a much-anticipated web version. This move comes as a response to the app’s initial skyrocketing success, which was later overshadowed by a decline in user engagement.
Upon its debut, Threads made headlines by amassing a staggering 100 million downloads within a mere five-day window. This rapid adoption showcased the app’s potential to rival Elon Musk’s X, previously known as Twitter.
Despite its promising inception, Threads faced hurdles in sustaining its user base. The primary limitation was its mobile-centric design. While users could glimpse specific posts via the web, the experience was restrictive, leading to calls for a more comprehensive web interface.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published yesterday, Adam Mosseri, the spearhead of Instagram, has acknowledged the demand. He recently unveiled that Threads’ web version is undergoing internal trials at Meta. Although he hinted at some existing bugs, Mosseri assured that the refined version would soon be available to the public.
Meta’s motivation to roll out Threads was to tap into the burgeoning appetite for a fresh alternative to platforms like X. The app’s swift rise to fame underscored this potential, but the absence of certain features, notably a full-fledged web version, curtailed its momentum.
Not one to rest on its laurels, Meta has proactively enriched Threads’ offerings. Users can now set notifications for specific accounts and enjoy posts in a chronological sequence. In a move towards transparency, Threads also started labeling posts from state-controlled media, especially after concerns about misinformation surfaced.
Threads’ dazzling start soon faced a reality check. The WSJ report says that data insights from SimilarWeb reveal an 85% dip in app engagement just a month post-launch. From a zenith of 50 million daily users, the count apparently plummeted to below 10 million. In contrast, X Corp. boasts a robust 363.7 million monthly users, underscoring the competitive landscape.
Featured Image Credit: Meta
