Threads tests the ability for users to choose their preferred default feed

Since its launch last year, Threads users have requested the ability to set their "Following" feed as the default. Now, over a year later, the feature is being tested.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Monday that Threads is now testing an option for users to set their default feed to "For You," "Following," or a custom feed of their choice.

This update follows the recent rollout of custom feeds, allowing users to curate content based on specific topics or user profiles. This move strengthens Threads' position against Bluesky, a decentralized social network that offers users more control over their algorithms, feeds, and lists.

Meta has been rapidly updating Threads as many users from X transition to Bluesky, which has now surpassed 20 million users. The recent changes to the app suggest that Meta is responding to user feedback in an effort to retain its audience and prevent further migration to Bluesky.

Last week, Threads introduced updates to its "For You" feed, aiming to highlight more content from accounts users follow. While some welcomed the update, others voiced frustration in response to Instagram head Adam Mosseri's announcement, expressing a desire to simply set their Following feed as the default.

Now, just days later, that feature is being tested. In his post, Zuckerberg expressed interest in seeing how users will utilize the new option. A Meta spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch that the feature is rolling out to select users.

Despite Threads' strong base of over 275 million monthly active users, it is facing increasing competition from Bluesky. Data from market intelligence firm Similarweb reveals that Bluesky is rapidly catching up to Threads in daily active users, and if its growth continues at this pace, it could eventually surpass Threads.