Instagram's Threads is enhancing user interaction by introducing a feature that displays whether others are currently active. This latest addition aligns with functionalities seen in Meta's other platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, making Threads the newest app to incorporate this capability. Similar to its operation on those platforms, only users who activate this option will have the ability to observe the online status of others.
Announced by the platform's head, the rollout aims to facilitate real-time interactions among users on Threads. This feature is designed to foster more dynamic engagement by making it easier for individuals to recognize when others are available for conversation. By knowing who is online, users can initiate timely discussions, enhancing the overall experience on the microblogging service.
Threads automatically activates this feature, allowing users to view the online status of their connections. Notably, this feature is separate from the existing activity status indicators on Instagram. This means that adjustments made to the activity visibility on one platform don’t carry over to the other; disabling it on Instagram won’t affect the setting on Threads, and vice versa.
When this feature is switched on, a green dot will appear beside a user’s profile picture, indicating their online presence. Users can easily enable or disable this option by adjusting their settings accordingly. The availability of this feature was confirmed by several team members on the iOS version of Threads.
Despite this positive addition, many users took to the comments section beneath the initial announcement to express their desire for additional functionalities. Some of the most common requests included the ability to view posts in chronological order, receive live updates on breaking news, and send direct messages to fellow users, highlighting the ongoing demand for enhanced features on the platform.