In a strategic move to enrich user interaction on Threads, Meta has introduced a groundbreaking feature – Threads Tags. This functionality enables users to incorporate searchable tags into their posts, presenting a distinctive twist compared to traditional hashtags. Originally previewed by Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg last month, Threads Tags is now accessible to all Threads users, aiming to revolutionize the way communities engage on the platform.
Unlike conventional hashtags, Threads Tags bring flexibility, allowing users to include spaces and special characters in their tags. However, each post is limited to one tag, and the platform offers tag suggestions to enhance user experience. Additionally, Threads provides statistics on how frequently a particular tag has been used by other users, fostering a sense of community and connection.
The cautious approach to introducing tags on Threads stems from concerns about potential misuse, especially given the history of hashtags spreading misinformation on other Meta-owned platforms like Instagram. To mitigate this, Meta has already implemented search restrictions for “potentially sensitive” content on Threads. The limitation of one tag per post and the avoidance of traditional # marks are intentional design choices to prevent engagement hacking.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, emphasized the goal of focusing tags on communities rather than fostering engagement hacking. The design aims to keep Threads simple and easy to use while encouraging meaningful interactions among users.
The inclusion of usage statistics for tags hints at potential future features, such as the introduction of a trending topics section. This would further enhance the discoverability of content and facilitate discussions on popular subjects within the Threads community.
Meanwhile, Meta has also elevated the security measures on its Messenger app by introducing default end-to-end encryption. This significant upgrade enhances the privacy and confidentiality of conversations, aligning Messenger with other popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
