What it does
Threads by Meta has launched ‘Live Chats,’ a real-time, public group chat feature designed to facilitate synchronized discussions around live events like sports, product launches, and breaking news. The feature supports up to 150 active participants and includes interactive tools such as live polls, countdowns, and typing indicators.
Why founders need this
For founders building a brand, Live Chats represents a shift in how community-led growth happens on social media. By hosting niche, event-based conversations, founders can now facilitate deeper engagement with their user base in real-time, moving away from passive post consumption toward active, synchronous community building.
How to use it
- Host events: Use the feature to host ‘Ask Me Anything’ sessions, live product reveal reaction rooms, or industry-specific watch parties.
- Amplify via Cross-Posting: Leverage Instagram Stories and your primary Threads feed to drive traffic to upcoming scheduled chats.
- Community Engagement: Utilize the red-ring notification indicator on your profile to create urgency and drive high-intent followers into the chat room.
Competitive Landscape
Threads is directly challenging X (formerly Twitter) for the ‘digital town square’ crown. While X remains the home for raw, unfiltered breaking news, Live Chats offers a more moderated, high-engagement environment that feels safer for brand-aligned community discussions.
