Meta's social media platform, Threads, is rolling out a significant update to its search feature, allowing users to filter posts by specific profiles and date ranges. The new feature, which is being rolled out globally over the next few weeks, brings Threads closer to its competitors, X and Bluesky, in terms of search functionality.

The existing search feature on Threads has been limited to a basic keyword search, allowing users to find trending topics, posts, or accounts, with "Top" and "Recent" sorting options. However, with the updated feature, users will be able to tap a settings icon in the search bar to access "After date," "Before date," and "From profile" options. This will enable users to find specific posts or conversations more easily, making the platform more user-friendly.

The update is part of Meta's efforts to revamp Threads and make it a more attractive option for users. The platform has been testing several new features, including the option to choose a default feed, custom following feeds, and adjustments to the For You feed algorithm to weight posts from accounts users follow more heavily. These updates come as Threads faces increasing competition from Bluesky, which has been gaining popularity amid a flight of users from X.

Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced the testing of these filters and other improvements to Threads' search tools just a few days ago, and now it's confirmed that they're rolling out to everyone. The move is seen as a significant step forward for Threads, which has been criticized for its limited search functionality compared to its competitors.

While the updated search feature is a welcome addition, it's worth noting that Threads still lags behind its competitors in terms of search functionality. X and Bluesky, for example, support more advanced searching capabilities, including filtering by keywords, hashtags, and more. However, the update is a step in the right direction, and it's likely that Meta will continue to iterate and improve the feature over time.

The rollout of the updated search feature is part of Meta's broader efforts to revamp its social media platforms and make them more competitive in the market. With the rise of new platforms like Bluesky, Meta is under pressure to innovate and improve its offerings to retain users. The updated search feature on Threads is a positive step forward, and it will be interesting to see how users respond to the new functionality.

In conclusion, the updated search feature on Threads is a significant improvement to the platform, bringing it closer to parity with its competitors. While there's still room for improvement, the move is a positive step forward for Meta, and it's likely to have a positive impact on user engagement and retention.