Threads is adding Live Chats to boost real-time engagement

2026-04-22 · Source: TechCrunch · Field: Technology & Digital — Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Social Media Platforms · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Threads is launching "Live Chats" to enable real-time conversations during cultural events, aiming to enhance the platform's timeliness and relevance, initially rolling out to a small group of creators within the NBA Threads community. This new feature allows up to 150 active participants to send messages, photos, videos, and reactions, with additional users able to view and react in "spectator" mode. The introduction of Live Chats is a strategic move by Meta to help Threads better compete with X (formerly Twitter) in the domain of real-time engagement, a space where X has historically dominated. Meta has implemented moderation controls, including automatic policy violation detection and host-managed user demotion or removal. Future updates are planned, such as co-hosting, real-time play-by-play updates, lock-screen widgets, and the ability to quote and share chat messages directly to Threads feeds.

Key takeaway

Threads is launching "Live Chats" to enable real-time conversations during cultural events, directly challenging X's dominance in live commentary. Initially rolling out to select creators in communities like the NBA, these chats support up to 150 active participants with host moderation and spectator mode for others. This feature aims to significantly boost Threads' timeliness and relevance, offering creators and brands a new tool for immediate community engagement around trending moments.

Topics

• Threads Live Chats
• Real-time Engagement
• Social Media Competition
• Content Moderation
• NBA Threads Community

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by TechCrunch.