Meta’s microblogging platform, Threads, is expanding its Communities feature. It now supports more than 200 communities, up from just over 100 (via newsroom post). The increasing number of communities covers a broader array of interests, including general topics like books and K-pop to specific conversation points like favorite sports teams.

Furthermore, Meta is also testing engagement features inside the expanded communities. Highly engaging contributors will receive a “Champion” badge on their profile, signifying that they keep the conversation active and are highly followed on the platform. Meanwhile, users will be able to set customizable interest labels, functioning like tag labels beneath usernames.

Threads leans into identity-driven discussions

Both features add a sense of personal identity among peers within the app, signalling a shift from the chronological or algorithmic feed. In addition, they give users a reason to stay and contribute (beyond just posting to their feed), boosting platform engagement. However, they’re currently in the testing phase, and hence, not everyone has access to them.

If you’re an everyday Threads user, the expansion of the Communities feature and addition of badges and labels could reshape how you use the app. While community spaces make it easier to find focused conversations rather than scrolling endlessly, badges ensure that high-quality contributors stand out, and flair elevates the context.

For creators and influencers using Threads, the updates open another path to greater visibility beyond follower count, as they can be more active where their target audience already lives. The update also signals an investment in real discussions, rather than algorithmic recommendations.

Meta has also indicated that it will roll out similar features for Threads in the near future, including ranking tools within communities and ways to ensure the most relevant post appears at the top in users’ feeds. We could also see Threads pushing deeper into moderation tools, leaderboards, or reputation systems.

Ultimately, Theads is on its way to encourage topic-based discussion, a technique that has proven very effective for platforms like Reddit. Most recently, Meta also announced new features for its Edits app along with a “Your Algorithm” feature for Instagram users. While the former helps users or creators create content more easily, the latter lets them fine-tune their feed.