Threads Starting Testing Trending Topics Feature in Today’s Topics
Threads has started testing a new trending topics feature in Today’s Top Topics. It displays the top five trending topics on the Search Page and in the For You feed.
These topics are determined by Meta’s AI system using signals such as how many people are talking about a given topic and how many people have engaged with posts on that same topic. Meta’s content specialists will also review selected topics to ensure they are not confusing and accurately represent what is topical on Threads. Users will also be able to report topics in case specialists may have made a mistake.
Currently, the feature is being tested in the US with a small group, but will be rolled out to other countries and different languages in the near future.
Why It Matters: This marks the second consecutive week that Threads has introduced a highly requested feature, the first being Saved Posts. Trending topics have been a sought-after feature since the launch of Threads, with users frequently expressing their desire for it to Instagram's Adam Mosseri.
While recognizing the value of this feature in positioning Threads as a platform for real-time updates, Meta has approached its launch with caution. The potential negative implications, particularly concerning hard news and political content, have concerned Mosseri and the team.
With the live test, users can now engage in trending topics across Meta, fostering timely conversations and discussions, which make it easier for people to share on the platform as well by jumping in with their perspectives. It could help drive more engagement and usage on Threads, especially for key moments like the Super Bowl and Grammy Awards, where people go online to talk about these moments.