Threads, Instagram’s microblogging platform and a competitor to X (previously Twitter), is launching a new feature that allows users to see when others are online. A similar feature is already available in Meta’s other social networking programs, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, and Threads is the next to integrate it. Only users who have enabled this functionality, as with other apps, will be able to view other users’ activity status.
Platform head Adam Mosseri announced the launch of this feature on Threads. The official claims it was introduced as a “way to find others to engage with” in real-time. It was suggested that the activity indicator feature could assist in engaging in conversations by indicating when others are online.
The feature is enabled by default on Threads, and users will be able to view others’ online statuses. Furthermore, it is not tied to Instagram’s existing activity status indication, according to Threads. Both functions function independently, turning it off on Instagram does not have the same effect on Threads, and vice versa.
Once enabled, a green dot will appear next to the user’s profile photo to indicate that they are online. To turn it on:
- Go to the Profile section on Threads.
- Select the hamburger icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Tap on the Privacy and Online Status option.
- Choose one of the following options: Anyone, Followers, Followers You Follow Back, and No one
The feature can be disabled by following the aforementioned procedures and selecting the final option. The LoudFact team was able to confirm its availability on Threads for iOS.
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While Threads may have added this function to help users, the comments section below Mosseri’s post was flooded with requests for additional features. Some of the most often requested features included a chronological feed, real-time breaking news, and the ability to send direct messages (DMs) to other users.