Meta will reportedly release a web browser version of Threads early this week, hopefully, the final piece to make the platform feel complete. Threads launched as a skeleton of a social media platform, so finally having a web version will be a relief.
Earlier in the month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company was also working on a fully-functioning search capability (at the moment you can only search for usernames). However, according to The Verge, inside sources say “launch plans aren’t final and could change” – so don’t get too excited right now.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram (and by extension Threads, an ‘Instagram app’), posted on Threads last week that Meta has been testing “an early version internally for a week or two” but added it still needs work.
Threads has built a small but faithful following who appreciate the simplicity of the app’s ‘barebones’ design (and probably its strong anti-Twitterness). Engagement has fallen away steadily after the launch but hopefully, the instant accessibility of the web version will entice more users to join the app – and get existing users to stick around for longer.
Personally, I’m quite hyped for the web version to arrive. Most people (myself included, but don’t tell my editor) will open up X (the app formerly known as Twitter) for a quick sneaky scroll throughout the work or school day. One big barrier Threads has been facing is that people prefer a web version of the app for this daytime scrolling since they’re already spending that time sitting in front of a PC.
With X continuously going through bizarre changes thanks to its turbulent CEO, it may be time to give Threads a go if you have not already. With Musk threatening to remove the block button, I’ve never been more hopeful for an alternative app to pop off.
There’s a hefty chunk of potential users that Threads is missing out on, but fingers crossed you’ll catch me posting on Threads from my desk soon.
