After over a year of user requests, Threads is finally testing the ability for users to set their "Following" feed as their default feed, a move that comes as the social network faces increasing competition from Bluesky. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the testing on Monday, giving users the option to choose their For You, Following, or a custom feed as their default one.

The launch of this feature is a significant development, as it addresses a long-standing user demand. Since Threads' launch last year, users have been asking for the ability to set their "Following" feed as their default feed, and Meta has finally delivered. This move is seen as an effort to appease users and keep them from migrating to Bluesky, which has been gaining popularity.

The testing of this feature comes on the heels of Threads' rollout of custom feeds, which allows users to curate feeds around specific topics or certain user profiles. This feature is seen as a way for Threads to compete with Bluesky, which lets users build their own algorithms, feeds, and lists. By giving users more control over their feed, Threads is hoping to retain its user base and attract new users.

Meta has been moving quickly to update Threads, and this latest development is seen as a response to the growing threat from Bluesky. With over 20 million users, Bluesky is rapidly gaining traction, and Meta is keen to keep its users from defecting. Data from market intelligence firm Similarweb shows that Bluesky is catching up with Threads in terms of daily active users, and if it maintains its current growth rate, it could eventually surpass Threads.

The recent changes to Threads, including the rollout of custom feeds and the testing of the default "Following" feed option, indicate that Meta is listening to user feedback and responding to their needs. This is a significant shift for the company, which has historically been criticized for its algorithm-driven approach to social media. By giving users more control over their feed, Meta is hoping to create a more user-friendly experience and stem the tide of users migrating to Bluesky.

It's unclear whether the new feature is rolling out to all users or just a select few, and TechCrunch has reached out to Meta for specifics. However, the testing of this feature is a significant development in the ongoing battle between Threads and Bluesky. As the social media landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users respond to this new feature and whether it will be enough to keep them from defecting to Bluesky.

With over 275 million monthly active users, Threads still has a significant lead over Bluesky, but the decentralized social network is rapidly gaining ground. As the competition between the two platforms heats up, it will be fascinating to see how Meta responds to the challenge and whether it can retain its dominance in the social media space.