Threads is reportedly piloting a new feature designed to simplify the process of importing social connections from other microblogging platforms. Insiders indicate that this functionality is currently in beta testing and is not yet accessible to all users. The anticipated feature will allow users to seamlessly follow accounts on Threads that they already engage with on X (formerly Twitter), eliminating the need for manual searches.
Following X Creators on Threads
The feature was uncovered by Jane Manchun Wong, a former Meta employee and security engineer, who detailed her findings in a post on X here. It is expected to be located within the settings of the Threads app under the Follow and invite friends section.
Labeled as Creators from X, the feature allows users to follow the same popular creators they already engage with on X directly from Threads. Users can enable this feature by:
- Opening Threads and selecting the user profile
- Navigating to Settings and Privacy > Your Account
- Finding a Download option for archived data, after which a link will be emailed within three days
- Downloading and unzipping the data file
- Locating the
following.jsfile and uploading it to the Threads website.
In a statement provided to TechCrunch, Meta spokesperson Alec Booker mentioned, “We’re currently testing a way for you to find and follow creators from other platforms on Threads, making it easier to connect with the people and conversations that matter to you.”
Currently, this feature is limited in availability. Wong noted that it remains in beta and is accessible to a select group of users. Staff at Gadgets 360 attempted to verify its presence on the Threads app for both Android and iOS but were unsuccessful.
As it stands, Threads only offers users the capability to locate individuals they follow on other social media applications owned by Meta Platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The introduction of this new feature could significantly broaden the scope by enabling users to follow creators from X as well.
