Leaked internal report suggests exciting updates coming sooner than expected Instagram’s Threads, the popular rival app to Twitter, is reportedly planning to add a direct messaging (DM) feature as its user base continues to expand rapidly. According to a leaked internal report from Meta, the parent company of Instagram, DMs will be introduced to Threads in the near future, along with other exciting features.
Initially, Instagram’s chief, Adam Mosseri, had stated that DMs were not on Threads’ immediate roadmap. However, the leaked memo indicates that the messaging feature could arrive much sooner than anticipated, surprising users who have been eagerly awaiting this functionality. The timing of this expected update is significant, as Threads recently achieved over 100 million user sign-ups within days of its launch.
Moreover, the app now boasts a weekly active user base that is nearly one-fifth of Twitter’s, making it a formidable competitor in the social media landscape. Within its first week alone, Threads garnered approximately 93 million active users worldwide, and by July 10th, Meta proudly announced that the app had reached the milestone of 100 million sign-ups.
Threads has exceeded 150 million downloads, achieving this feat “5.5 times more quickly than the second-fastest app,” according to data.ai, an app intelligence firm. Previously, Niantic’s Pokémon GO held the record for the fastest app to reach such a milestone since its debut in July 2016. Data.ai’s report also reveals interesting insights into Threads’ user base. India accounts for nearly one-third of the app’s downloads, followed by Brazil with 22% and the United States with approximately 16% of the total downloads.
The addition of direct messaging to Threads will offer users the convenience of staying within the app for private conversations, eliminating the need to switch between different platforms. Alongside DMs, other anticipated updates include improved search functionality, trends and topics, and a chronological feed. However, it remains unclear when these new features will be rolled out.
These upcoming changes could exert more pressure on Twitter and its owner, Elon Musk, who recently expressed concerns about the platform’s financial performance. Musk stated that Twitter is still experiencing negative cash flow due to a 50% drop in advertising revenue and a significant debt burden. He emphasized the need for positive cash flow before considering any additional luxuries for the platform. As Threads continues to attract users and enhance its feature set, the competition in the social media landscape is set to intensify. The introduction of DMs and other updates will undoubtedly enhance the user experience and solidify Threads’ position as a leading player in the industry.
Disclaimer: This article is based on leaked information and should be treated as speculation until official announcements are made by Instagram or Meta.
