Instagram ‘Threads’: A new messaging app coming soon

Photo-sharing app Instagram is working on a new standalone messaging app ‘Threads’ which would serve as a companion to Instagram and would bring Snapchat-style features. The app is said to be a close iteration of ‘Direct’ – Instagram’s earlier messaging app that it killed in early 2019.

‘Threads’ aims to put more focus on maintaining connection between close friends. One important element of the app would be an automatic sharing option, which will regularly update your status, and give your friends a real-time view of your location, speed, and more. While it won’t display your accurate location, the app might say to a friend that you are ‘on the move.’

The feature seems identical to Snapchat’s Snap Map that keeps your friends updated about your location.

Consumers would be able to post manual updates too and the app would also push Instagram’s content too. There would be a central feed that will show messages from your friends. Online users would have a green dot as it is in Instagram. And if there is a Story from your friend, you would be able to view it from Threads too. Threads will also utilise camera allowing you to capture photos and videos and share them to your close friends.

With Threads, Instagram aims to make it a direct rival to the app, in a way to keep your close friends more connected, instead of being broadcasting them in your main feed for all to see.

If Threads coupled with its AR functionality is able to provide a near-similar Snapchat experience, then Instagram might halt Snap's growth in new markets.

In July, Instagram rolled out a new sticker to help users to initiate a group chat. By adding this sticker to your story you can ask your followers to join a new group chat and then it’s up to you to decide who to include in the story. There are various story stickers such as including polls, question boxes, mentions, locations, hashtags, and countdowns etc.