Threads, the microblogging platform created by Meta, is introducing changes to its algorithm aimed at enhancing user experience by increasing the visibility of posts from accounts they follow. Starting Thursday, users will encounter a reduction in recommended posts—those from accounts outside of their following. The platform already offers an option to view a feed consisting solely of posts from followed accounts; however, the default display is currently an algorithmically curated feed.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, communicated this algorithm update in a recent post on Threads. He explained, “We are rebalancing ranking to prioritize content from people you follow, which will mean less recommended content from accounts you don’t follow and more posts from the accounts you do starting today.”
This update is particularly significant for content creators who depend on the algorithm for visibility among non-followers. The adjustment is expected to increase the visibility of their posts among current followers. Mosseri noted, “For you creators out there, you should see unconnected reach go down and connected reach go up. This is definitely a work in progress – balancing the ability to reach followers and overall engagement is tricky – thanks for your patience and keep the feedback coming.”
Recent observations by staff members at Gadgets 360 indicate that Threads has already begun to limit the number of suggested posts from unfamiliar accounts on its mobile applications. Users who prefer a feed comprised solely of posts from their followed accounts can easily switch by pulling down the feed and selecting the Following tab.
While Mosseri did not elaborate on the motivations behind the change, it’s noteworthy that Threads, which boasted over 175 million monthly active users as of July, faces a similar bot issue as seen on platforms like X. Users frequently encounter bots that amplify popular content, particularly posts likely to attract significant engagement. With this latest algorithm update, the intention is to decrease visibility of posts from accounts that users do not follow.
