Threads is adding Live Chats to boost real-time engagement

Source: TechCrunch

Live Chats Launch

Threads is launching Live Chats to enable real‑time conversations during cultural events, as announced by Meta on Wednesday source. The feature is intended to make the app feel more timely and relevant.

Live Chats are debuting within the NBA Threads community during the Playoffs. Media personalities such as Malika Andrews, Rachel Nichols, and Da Kid Gowie will host Live Chats alongside the games.

The company told TechCrunch that the rollout is initially limited to a small group of creators. Not all users can start a Live Chat right away, but Meta plans to expand access over time.

How Live Chats Work

• Users can send messages, photos, videos, links, and emoji reactions.
• Up to 150 participants can actively send messages in a chat.
• Once the limit is reached, additional users can still view the conversation, react to messages, and participate in polls in “spectator” mode.

Users can join Live Chats from the top of a Community feed, through a shared post in their main feed, or by tapping the red live ring around a host’s profile photo. Although Live Chats end after a set period, they remain open and publicly discoverable after they conclude.

Moderation

Threads will automatically detect and remove messages that violate its policies. Any participant can report messages, and hosts have real‑time moderation controls, including the ability to demote users to spectator mode or remove them from the chat.

Future Enhancements

Meta plans to add several new features to Live Chats, such as:

• Co‑hosting capabilities
• Real‑time play‑by‑play updates
• Lock‑screen widgets highlighting live‑chat activity
• The ability to quote and share chat messages directly to Threads feeds

Potential Use Cases

Beyond NBA games, Live Chats could be employed for:

• Album drops
• Upcoming FIFA World Cup matches
• Awards shows
• TV show finales
• Other cultural moments that benefit from real‑time engagement

“It’s a new way to build community with others around shared interests like an album drop or a big game as it unfolds,” Meta explained in a blog post. “Live Chats are an extension of what’s already happening on Threads — and a new way for creators and fans to connect over what matters to them in real time. Live Chats are more dynamic than traditional group chats because they’re designed for real‑time conversations around cultural moments as they’re happening.”

Image Credit: Meta