Yeah, I wouldn’t say that I like this idea.

This week, Meta has begun a brand new check or cross-posting between Fb and Threads, with some customers now being promoted to share their Fb updates to the brand new, Twitter-like app.

As you’ll be able to see in this instance, posted by app researcher Ljiljana Grujicic, these within the check pool are actually seeing a toggle to activate Threads cross-posting. Meta has confirmed to TechCrunch that the choice is in restricted testing on iOS, and can apply to textual content and hyperlink posts (not, apparently, video updates). It’s additionally not being examined in EU at this stage.

That’ll make it a lot simpler to share your updates with extra folks, however the larger query is: “Do folks actually wish to share the identical content material throughout Fb and Threads?”

Additionally: “Do Threads customers wish to learn it?”

The check is a part of the broader cross-pollination of content material that Meta’s trying to facilitate, with customers already in a position to cross-post between IG and Fb. Threads updates are additionally simply re-shared to Instagram (and vice versa), whereas Fb additionally has a Threads highlights unit that it’s been jamming into Fb feeds.

All of this allows Meta to get most mileage from the content material that customers submit to its apps, however as I’ve famous beforehand, I’m undecided that additional integration between Threads and its different apps is actually useful to Threads’ development.

The profiles that folks observe (or “adopted”) on Twitter, for instance can be lots completely different to those who they interact with on IG, and sure much more diversified once more on Fb. Every platform has a definite function, and it appears like Threads needs to be separating itself, versus additional entwining its features and algorithms with these different apps.

It’ll additionally result in lazy posting, with customers re-sharing replicated updates far and extensive, which may additionally degrade the Threads expertise.

However Meta says that it has a plan, and a pathway to constructing Threads into the subsequent billion-user platform, by specializing in positivity, and AI really helpful updates, and getting an increasing number of content material into its system to maintain folks engaged.

However I’m not so certain.

I do know why Meta thinks that it’s on the precise path, with suggestions now taking over an increasing number of slots in consumer feeds, and subsequently driving regular will increase in general engagement. However Threads, no less than in principle, is a unique factor, and it needs to be seen as such so as to maximize is worth and recognition.

However possibly I’m improper. Meta has all the information, and years of perception into what drives social platform development, clearly, it might be in the most effective place to grasp what it must do on this entrance.

I’m simply undecided that Threads customers are searching for extra humorous movies, extra leisure information, and now, extra cross-posted updates from FB.

Actually, it appears like Threads is taking a gossip journal method, when most customers, searching for a Twitter alternative, most likely need extra of a newspaper-type really feel. 

However once more, possibly Meta’s simply had sufficient of the angst. And possibly Zuck and Co know one thing we don’t.