Threads, a messaging platform developed by Meta, has introduced a group chat feature, allowing users to start conversations with up to 50 people. This update, announced on Wednesday, enables users to customize their chat with a name and invite friends using a link, streamlining the process. The feature is currently available only to users over 18 years old and requires that all participants follow each other on the platform. Additionally, this feature is not yet available on desktop and can only be accessed through the mobile app.

To start a group chat, users can navigate to the messages section of the Threads app, click the create button, and add up to 50 users who follow them. They can also customize the group chat name to suit their preferences. This development comes as Threads continues to expand its features, aiming to enhance user experience and foster community building.

Threads has also announced the rollout of messaging in the European Union, further broadening its reach. The platform has added support for various media formats, including photos, videos, GIFs, and stickers, to enhance messaging capabilities. To ensure user safety, Threads has implemented measures such as a messaging requests folder, privacy settings, and a hidden folder, similar to other Meta platforms.

According to a Threads blog post, the introduction of messaging is intended to facilitate connections among users who join communities they follow on the platform. By allowing users to communicate without switching apps, Threads aims to strengthen community ties. The platform plans to continue refining its messaging experience based on user feedback, with updates such as improved inbox management tools forthcoming.

With this update, Threads reaches a significant milestone, having achieved 400 million monthly active users in August. The introduction of group chat functionality is expected to further boost user engagement and retention, as it addresses a key feature that was previously missing from the platform. As Threads continues to evolve and expand its features, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in the messaging platform landscape.