Trending Now - Threads Launches Live Chats to Enhance Real-time Interaction
WHO:
Engadget - Meta introduced the "live chats" feature on Threads.
Engadget - Hosts for the NBAThreads Community live chats include Malika Andrews, Rachel Nichols, Trysta Krick, David Rushing, and Lexis Mickens.
WHAT:
Engadget - Live chats will remain open to view after they have ended, allowing users to watch them even if they were not part of the live chat.
Engadget - Live chats will appear at the top of the NBAThreads Community feed and can also be shared in a post that might appear on users' main feeds in Threads.
Engadget - A red ring will appear around a host’s profile photo when they are live.
Engadget - Meta plans to introduce features like co-hosting, lock screen widgets, and the ability to quote and share messages from a chat on users' feeds in the future.
Engadget - The "live chats" feature allows users to participate in real-time conversations about live events.
TechCrunch - Users can send messages, photos, videos, links, and emoji reactions in live chats.
Engadget - Live chats can be hosted by select creators and Community Champions.
Engadget - Live chats will gradually be rolled out to more communities on Threads.
WHERE:
Engadget - The new feature is debuting in the NBAThreads Community.
WHEN:
Techmeme - The live chats feature was officially announced on Wednesday, April 20th, 2026, during the NBA playoffs.
Techmeme - The live chats feature was announced on Wednesday, April 20th, 2026.
Engadget - The live chats feature was introduced in 2026.
Engadget - Meta announced that its text-based social media platform Threads has 150 million daily users as of October 2023.
WHY:
TechCrunch - The purpose of the live chats feature is to facilitate real-time conversations during cultural events.
Engadget - The purpose of the live chats feature is to enhance real-time interaction on the platform.
HOW:
Engadget - Hosts can choose who is invited to contribute to the live chats and can share the link publicly.
Engadget - Users can react to messages and vote in polls even if they cannot send messages in a live chat that is at capacity.
(UPDATED April 23, 2026 01:22 UTC)
on Monday, during the NBA playoffs, a new feature was officially announced that allows live chats to remain open for viewing even after they have ended. This means users can catch up on conversations they missed, enhancing their experience of cultural events. The goal of this feature is to facilitate real-time discussions, making it easier for fans to engage with one another.
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(UPDATED April 22, 2026 21:22 UTC)
on Monday, Meta announced that live chats will soon be featured at the top of the NBAThreads Community feed, with the option to share them in posts that may appear on users' main feeds in Threads. When a host goes live, a red ring will surround their profile photo to indicate their status. Looking ahead, Meta plans to roll out additional features such as co-hosting, lock screen widgets, and the ability to quote and share messages from chats on users' feeds.
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(UPDATED April 22, 2026 19:28 UTC)
Meta has introduced a new "live chats" feature on its Threads platform, allowing users to engage in real-time conversations about live events, starting with the NBAThreads Community. Hosts for these chats include notable figures like Malika Andrews and Rachel Nichols, and participants can share messages, photos, videos, and emoji reactions while also voting in polls. This feature is part of Meta's effort to enhance interaction among its 150 million daily users, with plans to roll it out to more communities in the future.