Meta's New Strategy Against Bluesky

In a bold move to counter the rising popularity of the social network Bluesky, Meta is working on a feature that mimics Bluesky's successful "Starter Packs." These curated lists of recommended users aim to help newcomers find interesting profiles to follow and create a sense of community among users.

The Success of Bluesky's Starter Packs

Bluesky's Starter Packs allow users to build and share personalized lists focusing on various interests, such as hobbies, industries, geographic locations, or languages. This unique approach has turned into a hit, spawning dedicated websites like Blueskystarterpack.com, where users can explore an extensive database of Starter Packs. As a result, these lists are regularly shared across the platform, enhancing user engagement and fostering connections.

Threads' Response with 'Recommended Follow Lists'

While Threads has the inherent advantage of Instagram's user graph, enabling it to connect people based on their existing social circles, Meta's latest strategy suggests they are feeling the heat from Bluesky's inventive features. Tech expert Chris Messina revealed that Threads is actively designing its version of Starter Packs, showcased through a feature dubbed "Recommended Follow Lists." Early tests indicate that these lists will be curated by Threads users, rather than being solely dictated by Meta itself.

Emerging Niche Communities

One prototype list, named "NBA Threads," surfaced during testing, hinting at the potential for niche communities to flourish within Threads. Although Meta hasn't confirmed a public launch for this feature yet, the developments indicate a growing focus on user-driven content.

Meta's Proactive Stance

In recent weeks, Meta has adopted a more proactive stance toward Bluesky’s escalating presence. They challenged third-party data suggesting that Bluesky was closing the gap with Threads, publicly rolling out additional features inspired by Bluesky's unique offerings. This includes custom feeds and the ability to shift from the default algorithmic "For You" feed to user-friendly alternatives.

User Feedback and Political Content

Following the U.S. elections, Threads even acknowledged user feedback regarding political content by allowing them to adjust their content settings. This came after criticisms of the platform's prior decision to limit political posts, which spurred many users to explore Bluesky as a viable alternative.

Threads' User Growth Surge

Amid these strategic shifts, Threads has seen a significant surge in user growth, reportedly adding 35 million new users in just November alone. This surge starkly contrasts with Bluesky's rapid ascension, which saw its user base explode from over 9 million in September to nearly 23 million currently.

The Future of Social Networking

As Meta continues to innovate and respond to competitive pressures, the developments surrounding the Threads platform highlight the fast-evolving landscape of social networking. The impending introduction of user-curated lists could further enhance Threads' appeal, potentially catalyzing discussions about community engagement in the digital age. Will Threads succeed in recapturing the spotlight or can Bluesky maintain its momentum? Only time will tell!