Threads App Incorporates Real-Time Online Status Feature

Threads, Instagram's new app, is improving user interaction with a feature that shows when others are currently active. This update mirrors similar features on Meta’s other platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, making Threads the latest app to incorporate this functionality. As with those platforms, users must enable this option to see others’ online status.

Announced by Threads' head, the rollout aims to encourage real-time interactions. By seeing who’s online, users can start timely conversations, promoting more dynamic engagement on the platform.

The feature is automatically activated on Threads, allowing users to view the online status of their connections. Notably, it operates separately from Instagram’s activity status, meaning changes to one won’t affect the other. Disabling it on Instagram doesn’t turn it off on Threads, and vice versa.

When active, a green dot will appear next to a user’s profile picture, indicating their online presence. Users can easily toggle this feature on or off through their settings. It’s been confirmed by team members on the iOS version of Threads.

Despite the excitement over this addition, many users responded to the announcement with requests for other features. Among the most popular were options to view posts chronologically, receive real-time updates on breaking news, and send direct messages, reflecting ongoing demand for more improvements on the platform.