Meta on Tuesday introduced a dedicated feed on Threads for posts originating from apps or servers connected to the “fediverse,” marking a significant move in its competition with X, formerly known as Twitter.
The fediverse enables users to browse content from multiple platforms within a single app. This integration allows Meta to retain users on Threads while they view posts from services like Mastodon and other compatible networks, and likewise enables those users to access Threads content.
Meta also unveiled a new feature permitting users to search for profiles on fediverse platforms directly through the Threads app.
“Our new search function and dedicated fediverse feed help you discover diverse perspectives from people outside of Threads,” Meta stated in a blog post.
“This means you won’t miss posts just because they are shared on different platforms.”
Threads began supporting the fediverse around a year ago, allowing users to follow accounts from other interconnected platforms such as Mastodon, Bookwyrm, WriteFreely, and more.
“This feature broadens the range of views you can access, wherever they are posted,” Meta added, expressing hope that more platforms would join over time.
The move towards greater openness follows Threads’ emergence as a popular alternative to Twitter after Elon Musk’s acquisition in late 2022 prompted many users to seek new social networks.
Meta described the fediverse as a global, open network of linked yet autonomous social media servers, each with its own users, content, and governance.
They likened it to the way different email services communicate via shared protocols, but emphasised that, unlike email, posts shared within the fediverse are publicly visible.
“The new fediverse feed and user search capability on Threads are important steps towards making our platform fully interoperable,” Meta said.
“We will continue working with developers and policymakers to advance progress in this area.”