Threads, the text-centric microblogging service vying with X (formerly Twitter), is currently trialing a tagging feature akin to that found on its competitor. These tags operate similarly to hashtags used on X but omit the hash symbol. Additionally, Meta has placed certain restrictions on how these tags can be utilized within the platform. The introduction of tagging may lead to a forthcoming trending topics feature on Threads, mirroring another popular element of X.
Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared news of the feature’s testing via posts on Threads. They noted that a select group of users in Australia will soon be able to categorize their posts using tags based on specific interests or themes, similar to Twitter’s hashtag function.
Mosseri also revealed three screenshots of the Threads user interface, which show a tag button located next to the microphone icon in the post composer. Tapping the button allows users to begin typing and receive tag suggestions, which appear as blue hyperlinks in the posts. However, users are limited to adding only one tag per post, distinguishing it from platforms like X or Mastodon.
Moreover, users will see the number of posts associated with existing tags when they attempt to add one to their content. While Threads currently lacks a dedicated trending tags or topics section, the implementation of tagging hints at the potential introduction of such a feature in the future.
In related developments, Meta announced earlier this week that users can now delete their Threads profiles independently without affecting their Instagram accounts. Nearly five months post-launch, this update allows users to remove their Threads profile entirely instead of merely deactivating it.
