Kate Mills 
Dec 01, 2023
In a bid to stay competitive with its rivals, meta-owned social media app Instagram has announced a new update to Threads, expanding the keyword search feature, including a wider range of languages, facilitating its global user base.
According to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, keyword searches will be “supported in all languages.”
TechCrunch reported that the feature was initially tested in English-speaking markets including Australia and New Zealand in August before expanding to most other English and Spanish-speaking countries, including the U.S. in September.
The feature will now make the app, used by nearly 100 million people per month, more useful.
There are indications that the launch of Threads in the EU is impending. As per a report from The Wall Street Journal, the app’s view-only mode might debut in the EU as early as next month and would allow users to read posts without creating an account.
The integration of search capabilities for EU users is crucial considering the diversity of languages in the market. This move not only addresses the European audience but also enhances Threads' experience in over 100 countries where it is currently available.
The Threads team has been actively refining the app based on user feedback. Notable additions include a chronological following feed, a web app, features for viewing likes, polls, GIFs, hashtag support (without the hash), an edit button, profile switching, and more.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has explicitly stated that the platform does not aim to amplify news, setting Threads apart from X's focus on breaking news. Nevertheless, the influx of former X users joining Threads may influence the app's trajectory in the future.
Mosseri said that more improvements to search would also be coming soon.
The developer has been working to improve the app based on user feedback, after which introduced several features, including a chronological following feed, a web app, the ability to view likes, polls, GIFs, and hashtag support.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg remains bullish on the app’s potential, recently assuring investors that Threads could be Meta’s next billion-person app in a matter of years.
