Threads, Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:FB)’ rival to Elon Musk’s Twitter/X, is gearing up to launch a web version, in an attempt to steal additional market share after the number of users on the app plunged in recent weeks.
Addressing a notable shortcoming of the mobile-focused app, the changes are expected early this week and have been welcomed by users, who up until now have only been able to view specific Threads posts on desktop.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, revealed that the web version of Threads is currently in internal testing at Meta, and despite the close launch date, is still subject to potential changes.
Threads initially garnered substantial attention upon its release in July, becoming the fastest app to reach 100 million downloads within just five days and receiving the nickname ‘Twitter killer’.
However, a fall in user figures was led by those who pointed out several missing features, notably a comprehensive web version, as well as the ability to search for specific keywords.
Mosseri said in an Instagram post: “It’s a little bit buggy right now, you don’t want it just yet… as soon as it is ready we will share it with everybody else.”
Improving its offering, Meta has been rolling out various enhancements, including post notifications and chronological feed viewing in the last few weeks.
Time spent on the Threads app has reportedly plummeted by around 85%, and despite reaching nearly 50 million daily active users shortly after launch, the app now has just under 10 million users, according to data from SimilarWeb.
Shares in Meta Platforms are up 0.5% in pre-market trading, having closed at a little over US$283.