Threads introduces new live chat feature

Threads is adding a new feature called live chats that resembles Instagram’s Broadcast Channels, enabling users to follow event and topic-related discussions through a more structured format than the main feed provides.

The announcement came from Threads Chief Connor Hayes at Coachella last week, revealing the platform’s efforts to improve real-time conversation capabilities. The feature aims to address limitations users face when trying to follow live events through traditional feed posting.

“We’re pre-announcing a new feature today, which is pretty cool, called live chats,” Hayes stated. “Those that are out here on Threads know that we want to be this real-time conversation for what’s going on in the world, but sometimes, posting to feed fifty times over the course of an hour just doesn’t do what it needs to do for live conversation.”

Here’s the deal: Start a chat, invite collaborators to post, and fans subscribe to lurk and follow – no messaging for them. Hayes calls it “the group chat from your messaging app that your fans can follow along with.”

Think Insta’s 2023 Broadcast Channels: Follow creators in read-only mode for clean updates, skipping feed clutter. Perfect for Coachella streams or big events without hunting posts.

Unlike Twitter hashtags (which got spammy), this locks it down to hosts only – less junk, more quality. Success rides on creators keeping it lively.

No exact date, but Hayes says it’s hitting “over the next few weeks.” Smart gradual rollout for tweaks. Game-changer or gimmick?