The journey of Instagram’s Threads has been quite the roller-coaster since its inception, especially when compared to the initial offerings of Twitter, now known as X. Users longed for more interactive features, mirroring the capabilities they had enjoyed on other platforms. Over recent months, Threads has been stepping up its game, introducing a series of new features like polls, a simplified process to post GIFs, and the option to quote posts on the web. Yet, the absence of an Application Programming Interface (API) has kept third-party developers at arm’s length, limiting their ability to tailor features to their services. This limitation hampers the integration of Threads into the daily digital interactions of its users. For instance, local transportation agencies could share automatic service alerts concerning train delays. However, hope is on the horizon as Instagram chief Adam Mosseri reveals that Threads is in the process of developing an API for developers, albeit with certain reservations regarding its usage.
The dialogue on API unfolds
The narrative around the necessity of an API for Threads came into the spotlight through a report by TechCrunch. Adam Mosseri engaged in a discussion on Threads, addressing the desire for an experience akin to TweetDeck. Responding to a user’s remark on the lack of an API, Mosseri confirmed, “We’re working on it.” His words carry a note of caution, though, as he fears the API could open the floodgates to “a lot more publisher content and not much more creator content.” Despite these concerns, he acknowledges the importance of this development and views it as a step that needs to be taken.
Mosseri had earlier expressed that Threads wouldn’t be a platform for amplifying news, a statement that may have left publishers and readers contemplating their shift from X slightly disheartened. He emphasised the vision of Threads to “empower creators in general.” More recently, Mosseri shared his long-term aspiration during an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Threads, envisioning it as “the de facto platform for public conversations online.” By this, he means attaining a significant user base while staying culturally relevant. Although he sees the potential of Threads surpassing X, he admits there’s a long journey ahead and remains committed to enhancing user experience week by week.
Threads’ user base on a steady rise
Mark Zuckerberg’s recent announcement sheds light on the growing popularity of Threads. With a declaration of “just under” 100 million monthly active users, the platform is certainly making its presence felt. Both Mosseri and Zuckerberg are optimistic about the trajectory Threads is on, foreseeing a “good chance” of touching the 1 billion user mark in the years to come. This optimism is a testament to the relentless effort to refine and expand the platform, making it more appealing and functional for its user base.
