Is Instagram's Threads App Testing Ads? Here's What Developers Uncovered
In a recent discovery by developers and reverse engineers, references to ad products were found in the code of Instagram's Threads app. Despite this, Instagram has stated that they are not currently testing ads in Threads and have no immediate plans for monetization.
One developer, Alessandro Paluzzi, was able to force a post to appear as a sponsored post within Threads, showcasing how a "Sponsored" label would be displayed next to a user's username. Additionally, tech veteran Chris Messina found a JSON file in the app that referenced a sample ad unit under development.
While these findings suggest that Threads engineers are exploring ad technology, Instagram has downplayed the urgency around testing ads. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also emphasized the importance of first focusing on retention and community growth before implementing monetization strategies.
Threads, a Meta product, has the potential to offer advertisers a new platform to market their products and services. As concerns over brand safety on other platforms like X (formerly Twitter) continue to arise, Threads could provide a safer alternative for advertisers.
Overall, while Threads may be preparing for ads in the future, it is clear that Meta is taking a cautious approach to ensure the platform's success and user experience before implementing any monetization strategies. Stay tuned for updates on Threads' ad testing and monetization plans.