Enhancing User Experience with Customizable Feeds
Meta’s decentralized social media platform, Threads, is taking steps to improve user experience by introducing a new feature that allows users to have more control over their content. Instagram head Adam Mosseri recently announced that Threads now enables users to signal which types of posts they want to see more or less of. By swiping right on a post, users indicate their interest, while swiping left shows disinterest.
This user interface interaction, reminiscent of dating apps like Tinder, serves a crucial purpose for Threads. By training the algorithm to understand user preferences through swiping gestures, the platform can quickly personalize the For You feeds. TikTok and X already employ similar mechanisms, allowing users to mark videos or posts as “not interested.”
Different Approaches to Content Delivery
In the realm of social media algorithms, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. While X utilizes a more traditional algorithm that considers likes, engagement patterns, and other metrics to curate content, Meta’s own startup Bluesky offers a “choose your own algorithm” model. Users can customize their feeds or follow prebuilt feeds like “What’s Hot” or “Popular with Friends” based on their preferences.
The Importance of Well-Designed For You Feeds
Meta understands that well-designed For You feeds can significantly boost engagement and the time users spend on their platform. Although Threads currently boasts over 150 million monthly active users, it still has ground to cover when compared to X’s impressive user base of 600 million monthly active users, with 300 million using the platform daily. However, it is worth noting that Elon Musk’s numbers have not been externally verified, leaving room for speculation regarding automated accounts and spam. Nevertheless, Threads has already surpassed Bluesky’s 5.7 million users and Mastodon’s 7.2 million, with less than 1 million monthly active users.
The Evolution of Swiping Gestures
Threads initially began testing the side-swiping gesture in March, using a heart icon to indicate interest and an eye with a crossed-out line to symbolize hiding a post. While Threads currently focuses on allowing users to customize their feeds, Meta can leverage the data collected through swipes for more significant purposes. With enough data, Meta can determine popular posts as opposed to those that are frequently swiped left, aiding in the improvement of the For You algorithm.
In conclusion, Threads’ latest update demonstrates Meta’s commitment to enhancing user experience. By implementing customizable feeds and utilizing swiping gestures, the platform aims to provide personalized content that aligns with users’ preferences. As Threads continues to evolve, it has the potential to bridge the gap between its current user base and the larger social media giants.
