Meta Announces Ads on Threads
For a while, Meta kept Threads ad-free, but let’s be honest – we all knew it was only a matter of time before ads found their way into Threads. And now it’s official: Meta has announced that ads are coming to Threads.
This could be exciting news for businesses looking to expand their reach, but maybe not so great for those who were hoping for an ad-free experience in the Metaverse.
Let’s take a closer look at what this means.
What’s Happening Exactly?
According to Meta’s announcement, Threads is starting a limited test of ads with a small group of advertisers.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Limited early test: it’s an early test of ads on Threads, which will be available to a small group of advertisers. The goal is to “help users discover brands they love”, with Meta promising to collect feedback and insights from this trial before expanding the ads feature.
- Ad placement: Ads will appear as images between posts for a small percentage of people. This means that, at least for now, only some users will see these ads in their feeds.
- Customizable ads experience: Users will have access to controls to help tailor their ad experience. Details are still unclear.
In a separate announcement, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri gave more details on the test, revealing that it will first roll out in the U.S. and Japan. Brands will be included in this initial phase, with feedback used to determine how and when ads will be introduced in other regions.
The reactions to Mosseri’s post, however, were not overwhelmingly positive, with many users expressing disappointment. After all, the promise of an ad-free environment on Threads was part of its initial appeal.
View on Threads
Meta launched Threads in 2023 amid the “X-controversy” as a microblogging platform, initially promising to remain ad-free. However, Instagram’s head, Mosseri, hinted last year that ads would eventually make their way to Threads. With 300 million active users, it seems like that moment may have arrived.
View on Threads
Why Users Are Turning to Alternatives
With ads making their debut on Threads, there’s a growing trend: more and more users are becoming skeptical of platforms like Meta and Twitter (now X).
Once trusted spaces for open communication, these platforms are now facing backlash for shifting their focus to monetization over user experience and moderation. For some, the introduction of ads on Threads feels like déjà vu — a promise of something fresh and different slowly morphing into more of the same.
As a result, users are looking for alternatives, like Bluesky Social, which gives more control to users and keeps the experience ad-free.
For instance, some have flocked to newer microblogging networks, where creativity and community-building thrive without the interference of constant advertising. These platforms position themselves as havens for those disillusioned with the “big names”, offering features designed to prioritize users, not profits.
Bluesky Social, a competitor to Threads, hasn’t yet said anything about introducing ads. So if you’re looking to build your presence without ads getting in the way, this platform is still a great option.
Thinking about giving Bluesky Social a shot? Here’s how Metricool can help you out:
