Threads expands Live Chats with translation and co-host features

Threads has enhanced its Live Chats feature by adding translation capabilities, new host tools, and expanding access to a wider user base, according to an announcement made on Tuesday. These updates aim to improve real-time conversations on the platform.

Translation support is now available within Live Chats, enabling users worldwide to engage more easily in conversations. Additionally, Threads is allowing all “Community Champions” to initiate Live Chats. These champions are defined as users with significant followings in their communities who actively post and maintain discussions.

Hosts can invite up to three co-hosts to assist in managing Live Chats, a function described by Threads as similar to having guest speakers or additional moderators. Hosts also gained the ability to delete messages for all participants. The platform is experimenting with ways to make host messages stand out visually within chats.

At launch, Threads faced challenges competing with X for real-time discussions due to missing features such as advanced search, hashtags, and chronological feeds. Since then, Threads has incorporated these elements and is now distinguishing itself by offering Live Chats, which provide real-time interaction capabilities absent on X.

The introduction of Live Chats is intended to enhance Threads’ relevance and immediacy. The company reports that hundreds of chats are hosted nearly every day, attracting thousands of participants. The latest feature additions respond directly to creator feedback.

Live Chats allow users to exchange messages, photos, videos, links, and emoji reactions. Up to 150 users can actively participate by sending messages; beyond this limit, others can observe, react, and join polls in a “spectator” mode.

Threads also announced plans to introduce desktop support and pinned messages, features frequently requested by creators, in upcoming updates.

Earlier in June, Threads surpassed 500 million monthly active users, nearly three years after its debut as a competitor to X. Over the past year, the platform has launched several new features including direct messages, ghost posts, and desktop messaging, contributing to its growth.