The web version of Threads will soon become even more useful. Meta began testing a custom Tweetdeck-like feed that would allow users to track multiple topics, searches, and accounts in a single view.
Test participants can set up “pinned columns” to track updates to specific topics, tags, accounts or search terms. Users can also choose to have these columns automatically refresh with new content. Currently, Threads will support up to 100 different columns, but a Meta spokesperson said that number may change as testing progresses.
According to a screenshot shared by Mark Zuckerberg, the new thread column looks like a lot of Take Tweetdeck, a desktop application that has long been a favorite among Twitter power users. The app is now called X Pro and is only available to paying X subscribers.
The test is the latest sign that Meta wants to make Threads a more reliable source of real-time information. The company also added a “Recent” tab and search for trending topics. But being able to track multiple update sources simultaneously is even more useful. It would also address long-standing complaints about the Threads algorithm’s “For You” feed, which tends to randomly display posts from days ago and bizarre personal stories from unrelated accounts.
It’s unclear how many people will participate in Meta’s initial testing of the feature, but Adam Mosseri said the company is seeking feedback on the changes. But the company often rolls out major Threads changes to a small group of users before making them more widely available.
Updated at 2:15 pm ET on May 16, 2024: Added details about the number of columns threads will support.
