Internet30.10.2023

Instagram working on API for Threads

Instagram head Adam Mosseri says the company is working on an API for Threads to let developers create different apps and experiences around the Twitter rival.

Mosseri said the company is working on a TweetDeck-like platform for Threads but added that it is apprehensive about letting publishers overwhelm the platform with content, effectively overshadowing creator content.

“We’re working on it. My concern is that it’ll mean a lot more publisher content and not much more creator content, but it still seems like something we need to get done,” he said

While Mosseri previously said the platform isn’t “anti-news”, he has taken the stance that “it won’t actively amplify news”.

Launching a TweetDeck-like experience could put this at risk unless Threads can limit publisher posts.

Currently, publishers have to manually post their content to the platform due to the lack of an API.

Once completed, developers can leverage the API to create third-party tools to automate this process, streamlining the sharing of publisher content on social media.

While Mosseri is concerned about news organisations posting overwhelming amounts of content, the launch of an API could give Threads a competitive advantage over its rivals, in particular, Twitter (now X).

Social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit have made it increasingly difficult for third-party developers to create clients, meaning Threads’ API could enable a healthier app ecosystem.


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