Threads is X’s real alternative and has even surpassed the latter in active daily users. So, creators, brands, and businesses should stay in touch with everything that’s happening with it!
For that reason, I’ll use this page to track all new Threads features released from January 2026 to December 2026, including updates to posting formats, discovery, moderation, analytics, and broader Meta platform changes that directly impact Threads.
I’ll log every update as it happens, with context on what changed, who it affects, and why it matters. Remember: Threads rewards speed and outdated strategies fade fast.
Keep on reading to find the Threads new features that you want and need!
Check out our previous editions:
How to get the latest Threads features in 2026?
Threads rolls out features unevenly. These practices help you stay ahead of the curve.
- Update Threads and Instagram together—many Threads features are tied to Instagram releases;
- Enable notifications for Meta product updates—Threads changes often follow Meta-wide announcements;
- Switch to a professional profile—brands and creators get priority access to new Threads tools;
- Test new posting formats early—early adopters benefit from algorithmic boosts;
- Track Meta-wide changes, not just Threads—policy and AI updates often affect reach indirectly;
- Use monitoring tools like EmbedSocial—our social listening platform helps track Threads updates, content performance, and Meta ecosystem changes in one place.
On Threads, timing is a leverage your brand uses. It’s not optional.
New Threads features: January 2026
Threads is improving the podcast experience
If you are a podcaster trying to make it on Threads, you’ve just gotten a new feature: upload short clips from your episodes into your feed.
Brands and businesses will have an easier time protecting their content on Meta
Meta Rights Manager will soon implement advanced copyright management support on its platforms that will help you protect your content:
That way, brands and businesses can protect all their pages, profiles, and channels across Meta’s ecosystem from copyright infringements.
Threads will soon surpass X’s userbase numbers
The social media community is expecting Threads to surpass X as the most used chat-based social media platform in 2026.
Some recent reports also showcase that this is already happening, with Threads edging out X in daily mobile users, such as the latest data from Similarweb:
Games in Threads DMs? Yes, please
To motivate its users to use the DM system more, Threads is implementing various games in its chats:
In addition to replacing everything X has to offer, Threads is evidently trying to add additional features that will make it a more appealing alternative.
Live chat to Threads communities is coming
To make the Threads communities feature better, the team behind it is adding a ‘Live Chat’ option:
Moderators can set a name, photo, and start and end dates for the ‘Live Chat’ session. Plus, they can choose who can participate in the chat.
Mysterious new attachment option coming to Threads
This is a feature that either proves useful or will be a gimmick. However, I still don’t know what it does:
As you can see, the feature looks like a jigsaw piece, and it can be added via the new thread composer. If I had to guess, I would say it’s a way to connect multiple posts together. But, we’ll see.
Import your X followers to Threads
I think this is the perfect timing for a feature like this since Threads is making huge strides in surpassing X in functionality and appeal.
Users can now easily import all their friends from X as well. They just need to navigate to the ‘Followers and invitations’ section and access the corresponding platform. Then, after exporting their X followers, they’ll try to find the same users across Threads as well.
Meta is using AI to translate Reels to a large number of languages
Expanding the reach of users’ Reels means making them understandable across regions and languages, and that’s exactly what Meta is doing for Instagram.
Now, Reels can be automatically translated via Meta AI in 9 additional languages: Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Kannada, and more.
Threads is adding animated stickers to posts
Threads is adding animated stickers to posts
This is one of those fun-to-have features that adds a little bit of whimsy. Animated stickers can now be added to Threads posts:
Threads makes it much easier to preview links
I personally believe this is a crucial feature for ensuring a smooth in-app experience for Threads users. Namely, after tapping a link within Threads, you’ll see the content, but there’ll still be an overlay of the original Threads post at the bottom for quick reactions:
FAQs – New Threads Features 2026
How often does Threads update its features?
Threads updates roll out frequently, often alongside Instagram or broader Meta platform changes, with many updates launching without formal announcements.
Are Threads updates connected to Meta updates?
Yes. Many Threads new features are tied to Meta-wide changes, including AI moderation, content ranking, and cross-platform integrations.
How can brands keep up with Threads changes in 2026?
Brands often rely on external social listening tools like EmbedSocial to track Threads updates, understand performance shifts, and adapt content strategies quickly.
