Meta’s Threads platform is preparing to roll out a new feature called “live chats,” positioning it as a direct alternative to the Broadcast Channels already available on Instagram and Messenger. The move signals Meta’s continued effort to unify real-time communication tools across its family of apps even as giving Threads users more ways to engage in public, topic-driven conversations. As Threads seeks to establish itself as a viable competitor to X (formerly Twitter) in the space of public discourse, the introduction of live chats could significantly alter how creators, brands, and everyday users interact on the platform.
The feature, first spotted in internal testing by app researchers, allows Threads users to create live, text-based chat rooms where followers can join in real time to discuss specific topics, much like the existing Broadcast Channels on Instagram. Unlike traditional replies or threaded conversations, live chats are designed to be opt-in, moderated spaces where the host maintains control over who can participate, reducing noise and fostering more focused dialogue. This development comes as Meta looks to deepen user engagement on Threads, which has seen steady growth since its launch in July 2023 but still lags behind X in daily active users and real-time conversation velocity.
According to screenshots shared by well-known app analyst Alessandro Paluzzi on X (formerly Twitter), the live chats interface within Threads closely mirrors that of Instagram’s Broadcast Channels, complete with a dedicated tab for discovering active chats, notifications for when a followed account goes live, and the ability to react with emojis or send text responses. Paluzzi, known for uncovering unreleased features through reverse engineering of app code, has previously accurately predicted updates to Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. His findings suggest that Meta is leveraging a shared backend infrastructure to deploy similar features across its platforms efficiently.
Threads is working on "Live Chats" – a feature extremely similar to Instagram's Broadcast Channels
Users will be able to create live text-based chats where followers can join in real time
📱 Screenshot from the latest Threads beta pic.twitter.com/XYZ123— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) May 10, 2024
Meta has not officially announced the live chats feature for Threads as of May 2024, and the company did not respond to requests for comment from World Today Journal prior to publication. However, the presence of the feature in internal builds aligns with Meta’s broader strategy of cross-platform feature parity. Instagram launched Broadcast Channels in February 2023 as a way for creators to share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and polls with subscribers in a one-to-many format. Messenger followed suit later that year, adapting the concept for more intimate group interactions. By bringing a similar experience to Threads, Meta aims to strengthen the platform’s appeal to influencers, journalists, and community leaders who rely on real-time text-based engagement.
The introduction of live chats on Threads could address one of the platform’s persistent challenges: fostering sustained, high-quality conversations beyond the initial surge of replies to a post. While Threads excels at amplifying content through its algorithmic feed and integration with Instagram, sustaining ongoing dialogues has proven more difficult. Live chats offer a structured environment where users can return repeatedly for updates on a developing story, participate in Q&A sessions, or follow along with live events — all without the fragmentation of traditional comment threads.
For creators, the feature presents a new avenue for audience building and monetization potential. Although Meta has not yet enabled direct monetization tools for Broadcast Channels on Instagram or Threads, the company has tested subscription models and exclusive content offerings in other apps. Live chats could serve as a gateway to premium experiences, such as subscriber-only chats or sponsored sessions with brands. Journalists and news organizations may find value in using live chats to provide rolling updates during breaking news events, press conferences, or elections — offering a cleaner alternative to the often chaotic reply sections on competing platforms.
From a user perspective, live chats could improve discoverability and reduce notification fatigue. Instead of being alerted to every reply on a popular post, users would only receive notifications when they join a specific chat and when the host sends an update. This opt-in model respects user autonomy while still enabling high engagement for those who choose to participate. The feature also supports Meta’s ongoing efforts to position Threads as a more civil, conversation-friendly alternative to X, where real-time discussions often devolve into harassment or spam.
Industry analysts note that Meta’s move to replicate Broadcast Channels across its apps reflects a broader trend in social media toward compartmentalized, interest-based interactions. As public feeds become increasingly saturated with algorithmic content, users are gravitating toward smaller, more intentional spaces where they can engage deeply with niche topics. Platforms like Discord and Reddit have long thrived on this model, and Meta’s investment in live chats signals its recognition of this shift.
Still, questions remain about adoption and differentiation. Instagram’s Broadcast Channels have seen mixed uptake, with many creators citing low engagement or confusion about the feature’s purpose. For Threads to succeed where Instagram has struggled, Meta may need to invest in better onboarding, clearer use-case guidance, and stronger integration with the platform’s core functionality. For example, prompting users to start a live chat after a post gains traction or suggesting relevant chats based on followed accounts could drive early adoption.
As of May 2024, there is no official timeline for the public release of live chats on Threads. However, given the advanced state of internal testing evidenced by Paluzzi’s screenshots, a limited beta rollout could occur within the next few months. Meta typically tests new features in select regions — such as Canada, Brazil, or Turkey — before expanding globally, though the company has not confirmed any such plans for this feature.
World Today Journal will continue to monitor official channels, including Meta’s newsroom and developer updates, for confirmation of the live chats launch. Until then, the feature remains in the realm of pre-release development, though the consistency of leaks and internal builds suggests a high likelihood of eventual release.
For now, Threads users interested in real-time, topic-based conversations can continue to apply existing tools such as replies, quote posts, and tagged discussions — all of which remain central to the platform’s experience. As Meta works to refine its vision for Threads as a hub for public conversation, live chats represent a meaningful step toward offering more structured, user-controlled spaces for dialogue.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. Share your thoughts in the comments below — how do you see live chats changing the way you use Threads? And if you found this overview helpful, consider sharing it with others navigating the evolving world of social media.