Threads Launches Public Group Chats for Live Events

Threads announced today the launch of a new Live Chat experience that will allow users of the microblogging platform to discuss in real time in a public group. At launch, the new feature will be available for a select group of creators in the NBA Threads Community throughout the NBA Playoffs and Finals.

“It’s a new way to build community with others around shared interests like an album drop or a big game as it unfolds. 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,” the team explained today.

The first personalities that will get access to Live Chats during the NBA Playoffs include Malika Andrews, Rachel Nichols, Trysta Krick, David Rushing, and Lexis Mickens. They will have a red live ring around their profile photo when they’re hosting a Live Chat, and participants will be able to engage by sending messages with media, using emoji reactions, and voting in polls. Eligible creators will also be able to schedule a Live Chat and share it to their Threads feed and Instagram story.

With Live Chats, Threads is experimenting with a text-based version of Twitter Spaces, which allow users to join a group voice conversation in real time. Threads is often criticized for not being optimized for discussing events in real time, and this new Live Chat feature seems pretty unique in the microblogging space. All live chats will also remain public and discoverable after they’ve ended.

“We’re continuing to build on the Live Chats experience with new features coming soon, including co-hosting, play-by-play content with real-time updates, lock screen widgets to surface real-time Live Chats activity, and the ability to quote and share chat messages on your Threads feed,” the team said today. Live Chats will also roll out to creators across more Threads communities over time.