Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: META) Instagram is gearing up to introduce a Threads API, empowering developers to craft diverse applications and experiences centered around Threads.
This revelation came from Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, during a conversation with journalist Casey Newton.
API or application programming interface allows developers to build new programmatic interactions between the various applications people and businesses use daily.
Every time we use an app like Facebook or Instagram, check the weather, or send an instant message, we use an API.
While discussing the potential of a TweetDeck-like interface for Threads, Mosseri voiced concerns about the possibility of publishers overwhelming the platform with content, potentially overshadowing contributions from individual creators, TechCrunch reports.
An engineer associated with Threads later mentioned that the initial phase would involve creating endpoints for publishing content via the API.
Historically, news outlets have leveraged third-party tools to automate content posting on platforms like Twitter, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) LinkedIn, and Facebook.
The absence of APIs on Threads compelled publishers to upload content manually. The manual upload posed a deal breaker, especially for news agencies that publish multiple articles daily.
While Mosseri's reservations revolve around the potential flood of publisher content through API integration, creators also require diverse tools for posting varied content.
An API integration option simplifies the process for developers to tailor features specifically for a platform. With platforms like Twitter (now X) and Reddit making it challenging for third-party developers to create clients, Threads' open API could foster a more vibrant app ecosystem. Although rival networks like Bluesky and Mastodon have seen the development of some clients, they don't match Threads in terms of user base.
Last week, Meta revealed that Threads boasts nearly 100 million monthly active users.
Threads now include polls and GIFs akin to X (formerly Twitter). It is also testing view counts on posts and pinned posts on profiles and replies to provide users with a better grasp of their reach.
Price Action: META shares are trading higher by 2.42% at $303.93 on the last check Monday.