Instagram’s companion app, Threads, has introduced rate limits in response to increasing spam attacks, drawing comparisons to Twitter’s similar measures. Elon Musk amusingly called it a copycat move. Initially implemented temporarily on Twitter, the rate limits were later eased for Twitter Blue subscribers and verified accounts. Threads has not specified the duration of its rate limits yet.
Spam Attacks: A Growing Concern on Threads
CEO Adam Mosseri stated that while the move was prompted by a surge in spam attacks, Threads is ready to assist users facing limitations. However, comment spam has notably risen on Threads, with users reporting bot responses on almost half of their posts. This persistent issue threatens the app’s momentum, having achieved an impressive milestone of 100 million users within five days of its launch.
Threads’ challenges mirror those faced by Twitter, which imposed viewing limits following a severe outage caused by data scraping and system manipulation. Initially setting different limits for verified and unverified users, Twitter later increased these limits, particularly for verified users. Critics argued that Twitter’s bot problem wouldn’t exist if the platform hadn’t significantly reduced its engineering staff.
For Threads, the main challenge lies in effectively addressing bot and spam issues, especially since the app is currently unavailable in Europe due to strict data privacy regulations. This situation has significant implications for influencers who rely on social media platforms for visibility and monetization. Platforms must provide a spam-free environment for influencers to thrive.
As Threads implements rate limits, finding a balance is crucial. While combating spam is important, the measures should not overly hinder legitimate content creators from effectively engaging with their audience. This saga serves as a reminder to social media platforms about the ongoing battle against spam and the significance of maintaining user-friendly environments.
One of our recent quick-take articles explores the question of whether Threads can compete with Twitter in the long run. Additionally, Instagram’s Threads is expected to soon introduce direct messaging (DMs), expanding its features and providing users with enhanced communication options.
RELATED:
- Threads by Instagram might be Running Out of its Glory Days
- Almost 100 Million Users in Less than a Week, Threads by Instagram is Shattering Records
- Instagram Threads to soon add basic features like Search, Hashtags, Following Feed
- OPPO Reno10 vs OPPO Reno10 Pro: Specs Comparison
(Via)
