Meta’s New Feature: Trending Topics on Threads

Meta, the social media giant, is testing a new feature on its Threads app that allows users to view trending topics. This feature, which has been in development for some time, is now being rolled out in the United States. According to Meta, the aim is to provide users with timely and relevant information, making the app a more useful source for real-time updates.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, announced the new feature in a post on Threads. He explained that “today’s top topics” will be determined by Meta’s AI systems based on what people are engaging with on the app at the moment. These topics will appear in search and interspersed between posts in the For You feed.

Interestingly, the trending topics feature will include political content. Meta had previously announced that it would no longer suggest political content in its recommendations unless users choose to opt-in. However, the company has confirmed that this restriction will not apply to the trending topics feature. “Political content can be a topic,” a Meta spokesperson told Engadget. “We will only remove political topics if they violate our Community Guidelines or other applicable integrity policies.”

The addition of trends has been a long-requested update for many Threads users. They have been hoping to make the service more usable as a source for real-time information and updates. The feature was previously spotted in an employee version of the app, but it was unclear if Meta would roll it out more broadly.

Despite the use of AI to determine the trending topics, Meta does plan to do some curation of what appears as a “top topic.” A team of content specialists will ensure that topics do not violate the company’s Community Guidelines or other applicable integrity guidelines. They will also ensure that topics are not duplicative, nonsensical, or misleading.

For now, the “today’s top topics” feature is only a “small test,” but Meta plans to expand it to more countries and languages once it is tuned up. This will make the feature more accessible to a larger audience and provide users with even more timely and relevant information.

The introduction of trending topics on Threads is a significant development for the app. It will make it a more valuable tool for users who want to stay informed about what is happening in the world around them. The feature is also a testament to Meta’s commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to the changing needs of its users.

In conclusion, Meta’s new feature, trending topics on Threads, is an exciting development for the app. It will provide users with timely and relevant information, making the app a more useful source for real-time updates. The use of AI and human curation ensures that the information is accurate and appropriate. The feature is currently in a small test phase but is expected to be expanded to more countries and languages in the future. This will make the feature more accessible to a larger audience and provide users with even more valuable information.