Meta's Threads platform has launched a significant new feature, enabling users to post long-form text content with up to 10,000 characters. This update, which includes basic formatting options like bold, italics, underline, and strikethrough, aims to empower creators and foster richer user engagement by providing a native space for extended narratives.
The new "text attachment" functionality presents extended content within an expandable gray box marked with a "Read more" button. This strategic move positions Threads to better compete with platforms like X (formerly Twitter), which offers similar long-form capabilities, often behind a paywall. Threads' decision to make this feature available to all users democratizes access to in-depth content creation.
Launched in July 2023, Threads has rapidly grown, surpassing 400 million monthly active users within its first two years. This growth trajectory underscores Meta's commitment to developing Threads into a comprehensive social media environment. The integration of long-form posts is a deliberate step to reduce reliance on external platforms for sharing detailed thoughts, articles, or book excerpts.
This development aligns with a broader trend where audiences increasingly seek more depth and context in content. While short-form content captures initial attention, longer formats are recognized for building deeper connections and establishing authority. Although currently text-only, the platform plans to iterate on this feature based on user feedback, potentially incorporating more advanced formatting and media integration in the future.
This update is part of Meta's continuous effort to refine Threads, which has included adding features like direct messaging and fediverse integrations to broaden its appeal. The platform's ongoing evolution reflects a strategic vision to cultivate a dynamic space for diverse forms of expression and connection, aiming to provide a robust alternative in the competitive social media landscape.