Meta is beginning to test new features in threads that allow users to follow the same creators they follow on X.
“We are currently testing ways to find and follow creators from other platforms on the thread, making it easy to connect with people and conversations that are important to you.”
Image credits: Maxwell Zeff/TechCrunch
In recent years, several creators have left X due to competing platforms such as Threads and Blueski, but have lost massive followers in the process. Meanwhile, some users reportedly struggle to create the same community they've cultivated for years on X. This feature is intended to facilitate the migration for creators and users set up in threads.
The feature, currently undergoing beta testing, was first discovered by security researcher and former meta employee Jane Manchun Wong.
When opening the thread mobile app on Wednesday, some users, including TechCrunch, saw a pop-up saying, “You can find popular creators from X.” The pop-up moves users to the beta feature. This will provide instructions on how to download the following list from X and import it into a thread:
It is unclear how exactly meta matches creators on the X platform with profiles on the thread. According to Meta, the product is useful for “popular creators”, but perhaps everyone following X. Meta said they didn't respond immediately to TechCrunch's request for comments on the issue.
That said, these features help threads become a solid alternative to X, with a stable growth rate. In January, Meta reported that it had surpassed more than 320 million active users (MAUS) per month, starting from 300 million Mauss in December. All companies measure Maus differently, but the threads appear to be on a scale comparable to X.