The Article Tells The Story of:
- Custom Feeds Feature: Threads is testing custom feeds for tracking specific topics or profiles, making it easier to stay updated on interests like sports or tech.
- Simple Setup: Users can create feeds by searching a topic, selecting the three-dot icon, and choosing “create new feed,” or by adding profiles directly.
- Functionality: Custom feeds show posts from added profiles and topic search results in reverse chronological order, appearing alongside the “For You” and “Following” tabs.
- Growth and Competition: Threads is growing rapidly, gaining 15 million users in a month, while competing with Bluesky, which offers a similar feature but with more technical complexity.
Track Your Favorite Topics with Ease
Threads, a platform owned by Meta, is testing custom feeds that allow users to follow specific topics or profiles. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced this new feature, designed to simplify how people engage with their interests, such as sports or tech news.
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Creating a custom feed is straightforward. Users can search for a topic, tap the three-dot icon next to the search term, and choose “create new feed.” Adding profiles to these feeds is equally simple—tap the three-dot icon above a profile photo and select “add to feed.” Custom feeds will appear alongside the “For You” and “Following” tabs, ensuring quick access.
While you can’t yet set these feeds or the “Following” tab as a default view, this feature gives more control over content curation. It’s a step forward compared to platforms like Bluesky, which require technical expertise or third-party tools like SkyFeed to achieve similar results.
How Custom Feeds Work
According to Threads spokesperson Alec Booker, custom feeds show a mix of posts from selected profiles and search results for chosen topics. The posts appear in reverse chronological order, ensuring timely updates. Currently, the feature is being tested with a small group globally, but Threads plans to expand its availability soon.
Bluesky, a competing platform, introduced custom feeds earlier. However, Bluesky’s implementation demands more technical knowledge, making Threads’ version more user-friendly.
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Threads and Bluesky: The Competition Heats Up
Both Threads and Bluesky are experiencing rapid growth as users explore alternatives to X (formerly Twitter). Threads head Adam Mosseri recently announced a 15-million-user growth in just one month, while Bluesky has crossed the 15-million-user milestone overall.
As these platforms compete, custom feeds may become a key feature in retaining and attracting users. Threads’ simplified approach could give it an edge, especially for audiences looking for easy ways to personalize their experience.