Instagram's messaging app, Threads, appears to be on its way out as part of Meta's ongoing consolidation of messaging apps (the company formerly known as Facebook that owns Instagram).
Threads debuted in 2019 as a standalone alternative to Instagram's direct messaging feature. Threads were essentially Instagram's equivalent of Facebook Messenger. On the other hand, the standalone app never really took off, mainly due to its clumsy layout and the fact that it confined users to only sending private messages with their "Close Friends" on Instagram.
Some of these issues were addressed in a significant 2020 update, but it was likely too little, too late. Despite the app's unique capabilities, most users chose to continue their chats within the Instagram app itself.
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As a result, it's probably no surprise that Meta is abandoning Threads. According to TechCrunch, the app will no longer be maintained by the end of December. On November 23, those still using Threads will receive in-app notifications urging them to return to Instagram.
According to TechCrunch, threads received about 13.7 million installs worldwide from both the App Store and Google Play, but it's unclear how many people who downloaded the app used it. Many people have complained about the app's design, missing features, and issues, and the ratings haven't been excellent.
Not long after the launch of Threads, Facebook made it's Messenger and Instagram apps compatible, giving Instagram users a far better option. After that, there was never really a good purpose for Threads to exist, especially as the business jobs began to integrate more and more features into Instagram, leaving Threads behind.
According to Meta, threads users will be automatically locked out after support stops, and the app will no longer be available on the App Store or Google Play. All Threads features will be available in the main Instagram app by that time.
