Threads Expands Visibility: Users Can See Followers from Other Fediverse Servers

In a pivotal move aimed at enhancing user engagement and interaction, Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced on Tuesday that Threads users who have connected their accounts to the fediverse—an open social web encompassing decentralized social networks like Mastodon and Pixelfed—can now see who follows them and who has liked their posts from these other platforms. This integration is a notable advancement in Threads' efforts to establish a more interconnected social media experience, building on features introduced earlier this year.

The newly implemented functionality allows users to tap into their post’s activity or follower list to access a full list of followers and likes coming from the fediverse. Specifically, users can navigate to dedicated sections labeled “fediverse followers” or “fediverse likes” to see this information. This transparency not only enhances user interaction but also fosters a sense of community across different platforms, bridging the gap between Threads and the broader decentralized network.

Moreover, Threads is extending the time users have to edit their posts, increasing the limit from a mere five minutes to a more generous 15 minutes. This change is particularly significant as it allows users to refine their content before it becomes publicly accessible. Mosseri explained that posts shared to the fediverse would have a 15-minute delay, giving users ample opportunity to finalize their edits before the content is propagated beyond Threads. This approach emphasizes the importance of user control and flexibility in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The announcement comes as Threads has been steadily enhancing its features related to the fediverse over the past few months. For example, the platform recently introduced the ability for users to view replies from fediverse accounts on other people’s posts, further enriching the content experience. Since June, Threads users have had the ability to see fediverse replies on their own posts, although the functionality to respond to these replies from other servers remains in development. This gradual rollout of features signifies Threads' commitment to integrating seamlessly with the decentralized ecosystem, enhancing the user experience by providing more avenues for interaction.

Positioned as the largest social network to adopt the ActivityPub protocol, which underpins the fediverse, Threads boasts an impressive user base of nearly 200 million, as reported by Meta. This scale offers a distinct advantage in the decentralized space, where the entire fediverse currently has around 12 million users. Threads' extensive reach not only strengthens its position but also highlights its potential to become a central hub for cross-platform communication and interaction.

Additionally, with the increased editing window, Threads sets itself apart from other social media platforms. While Threads allows users a 15-minute timeframe to modify their posts, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) provide an hour for editing, though certain premium features require payment. This difference underscores Threads' approach to user empowerment and accessibility, fostering a more user-friendly environment that encourages creativity and expression.

Overall, the latest updates reflect Threads' strategic direction toward creating a more robust, interconnected, and user-centric social media experience. By facilitating greater interaction across platforms and enhancing user control over content, Threads is positioning itself as a significant player in the evolving landscape of social networking. These developments not only signify the platform's growth but also its dedication to addressing the needs and preferences of its user base in an increasingly competitive digital arena. As Threads continues to innovate and adapt, it is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of decentralized social media interactions.