Janice R. Andrews
Threads has unveiled its version of Starter Packs, a feature first popularized by rival platform Bluesky. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri shared the update, explaining that the new addition recommends collections of profiles based on users’ interests. These suggestions appear when following topics and within the For You feed.
Interestingly, Threads hasn’t assigned a specific name to this feature. This isn’t the first time the Meta-owned platform has drawn inspiration from Bluesky. Custom feeds, another idea pioneered by Bluesky, were previously tested and rolled out on Threads.
Bluesky has taken notice of the similarities. Last month, after Threads announced plans for its Starter Packs, Bluesky responded with a lighthearted dig on Threads itself.
The competition between the two platforms reflects the ongoing quest to attract users seeking alternatives to X (formerly Twitter). Bluesky reached 20 million users in November, while Threads surpassed 35 million signups in the same timeframe.
As the platforms race to innovate, Threads’ adoption of Starter Packs could help boost engagement. However, the rivalry between these emerging networks shows no signs of slowing down, with each vying to capture a larger share of the social media landscape.
