Meta's Threads Now Available on the Web for All Users

Meta Launches Web Version of Threads, Allowing Browser Access

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has rolled out the web version of Threads, enabling users to access its Twitter competitor directly from browsers.

The highly-anticipated web version of Threads, Meta's response to the Twitterverse, has officially made its debut. Meta, the parent company of Instagram, had previously hinted at enabling browser access to Threads, and now, it's a reality.

Instagram's head, Adam Mosseri, confirmed the release on a recent Thursday, signaling that the update has been deployed for all users.

This development opens up new possibilities for Threads enthusiasts. With the web version, users can now post content, engage with other posts, and browse their feeds seamlessly.

According to Christine Pai, a spokesperson for Threads, the web version has been rolled out to the entire user base as of Thursday.

In its initial stages, Threads on the web seemed limited, primarily serving as a platform to view someone's profile. Oddly enough, you couldn't even "like" or share a post, despite the presence of buttons for these actions in the web app.

Clicking these buttons would merely present you with a QR code, directing you to download the mobile app. The new desktop web interface closely mirrors the mobile app's layout, albeit with a few minor distinctions.

Navigation icons are now situated at the top of the page, and toggling between the "For You" and "Following" feeds is accomplished by clicking a button in the bottom-left corner.

However, it's important to note that the web experience doesn't encompass all the functionalities found in the mobile app. According to Pai, this means you can't perform actions such as editing your profile or sending a post to Instagram Direct Messages (DMs) directly from the web.

Having spent some time using the web version, some users may find it inconvenient that there's no notification indicator on the heart icon, and that the option to quote a post (similar to a "quote tweet") is notably absent.

Now that the web version is live, users eagerly anticipate the addition of various "missing" features in Threads. A frequent point of contention is the absence of content search; at present, users can only search for other users, not specific posts.

Additionally, the lack of hashtags limits the ability to discover new content on Threads, a feature commonly associated with platforms like Instagram and Twitter.

Threads initially made waves with a high-profile launch in early July, capitalizing on the Twitter community's frustration with Elon Musk.

The app rapidly garnered 100 million users within days, surpassing even the impressive debut of ChatGPT the previous year. However, it's worth noting that the app remains unavailable in the European Union.

Despite its grand entrance, some analytics firms have reported a significant decline in Threads usage.

With the improved web app now accessible and enhanced search capabilities on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether these changes will entice lapsed users to return to the platform.