Meta’s Threads app, which was launched in July 2023 as a text-sharing platform, is rolling out a new feature that allows users to join public conversations using tags. Tags are similar to hashtags on X (formerly Twitter), but without the hash symbol. Users can add tags to their posts and replies, and tap on them to see other posts with the same tag.
According to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, tags are a way to “spark conversation on Threads and help people find and join communities they care about.” Users can add up to three tags to their posts and replies, and they can be any word or phrase that describes the topic or theme of the post. For example, a user can post a thread about their favorite movie and add the tags “movies”, “comedy”, and “recommendations”.
Users can also tap on any tag to see other posts with the same tag, and join the conversation by replying or liking the posts. Users can also follow tags to see posts with those tags in their For You feed, which is a mix of posts from profiles they follow and recommended content. Users can also search for tags using the search bar at the top of the app, and see the trending tags on the Explore tab.
Why Tags Are Different from Hashtags
While tags are inspired by hashtags, they are not exactly the same. One obvious difference is that tags do not use the hash symbol (#), which Zuckerberg said was “a bit outdated and confusing”. Another difference is that tags are not case-sensitive, meaning that “Movies” and “movies” are considered the same tag. Users can also edit or remove tags from their posts and replies at any time, unlike hashtags, which are permanent once posted.
Another difference is that tags are not limited to one platform, but are compatible with the open, interoperable social networks that Meta is working on. This means that users can see and interact with posts with the same tag across different apps and websites, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and X. This is part of Meta’s vision to create a more connected and inclusive internet, where people can communicate and express themselves freely and easily.
How to Get Started with Tags
Tags are rolling out to all Threads users over the next few weeks, and users can update their app to the latest version to access the feature. Users can also visit the Threads website to learn more about the app and how to use tags. Users can also share their feedback and suggestions on the Threads app by tapping on the Settings icon and selecting Help and Feedback.
Threads is a new app, built by the Instagram team, for sharing text updates and joining public conversations. Users can log in using their Instagram account and posts can be up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length. Threads also offers polls, GIFs, and DMs using Instagram’s inbox. Threads is available for both iOS and Android devices.
