Meta has unveiled a major update to the Live Chats feature in the Threads social network. The update aims to strengthen the platform's position in the competition with rivals, particularly X (formerly Twitter), and includes the implementation of automatic translation, expanded moderator rights, and opening access to chat creation for new categories of users.
The "Live Chats" feature was originally designed as a tool for real-time text discussions of significant events: from sports matches and presentations to movie premieres. Unlike its counterparts, Threads focuses on fast group text rooms, and the latest update has added a number of in-demand options aimed at improving the user experience.
Breaking Down Language Barriers
One of the key innovations is the built-in translator. The function of synchronous text translation will allow users from different countries to participate in global discussions without barriers. This solution is designed to eliminate language barriers and make communication in chats truly international.
New Management and Moderation Rules
Tools for chat creators have been significantly expanded. Now, organizers can appoint three co-hosts who will serve as guest speakers or additional moderators, helping to maintain order in the room.
Furthermore, developers have strengthened moderation mechanisms. Organizers of text broadcasts now have the right to delete messages from the chat for all participants. A new design is also being launched in beta, which visually highlights the author's remarks among the general flow of messages.
Who Can Create a Chat and How to Participate
The ability to launch their own Live Chats is now open to all so-called "Community Champions." These are active bloggers with a large number of followers who regularly support discussions on the platform.
Within a single "Live Chat," up to 150 participants can be active. They have the right to send text, photos, videos, links, and emojis. If this limit is exceeded, other users connect in "viewer" mode, observing the discussion without the ability to influence it.
Growing Popularity and Future Plans
At launch, Threads faced criticism due to the lack of a chronological feed, full-fledged search, and hashtags, which hindered competition in the breaking news niche. However, after implementing these tools and launching direct messages (DMs), the platform demonstrated rapid growth. In June, Threads officially crossed the mark of 500 million monthly active users.
The company notes that Live Chats have become a unique feature that the main competitor lacks. Hundreds of such rooms are created daily on the platform, gathering thousands of viewers.
Developers have also announced future updates that content creators are most eagerly awaiting. In the near future, "Live Chats" will receive full desktop support, and the ability to pin important messages to the top of the screen will appear within the dialogues.
