Instagram is on a streak since they launched Threads months ago. The recent exodus of users from X (fka Twitter) has seen them add essential features at a steady pace that make it a worthwhile alternative. Two of the major features include keyword search and topic tags (like the usual hashtags), and they’re widely available to users across the MENA region.

Search and Discover on Threads

Since the official launch, the search functionality has been restricted only to showing accounts with the matching keyword. While you had to depend on the app’s algorithmic discovery feed for surfacing relevant content, many would definitely want to search and join certain discussions.

Speculation grew with a two-month test in Australia and New Zealand in testing the Search function itself.

Post by @threads

View on Threads

The big reveal near the end of November 2023 from Threads’ official account confirms that keyword search works in any language. That means even right-to-left ones including Arabic, which makes it relevant to MENA users looking to join.

Getting started on search is as simple as tapping the Search icon and then putting the keyword or phrase into the search bar. Tap the “Search for” prompt and then you’ll navigate to the results page. Note that the results will not be in chronological order.

Tag your Thread to a Topic

Only a few weeks ago, an initial test of topic tags was being experimented in Australia to help users link their posts to a common subject. Straight from the head of Instagram’s own Threads account, the feature is now widely available to users worldwide.

Post by @mosseri

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While it’s been anticipated that this would eventually rollout to more users, the implementation has seen some restrictions to avoid issues that have plagued other social media platforms

• Only one tag per post, which means no more multiple hashtags that would appear spammy.
• The topic tag needs to be added manually when composing your Thread update.
• The topic tag can be one word or a phrase with spaces.

The best part is that you can create them in non-English languages (yes, that includes Arabic for the MENA region). I even gave it a try with a topic tag in my recent Thread below.

Post by @yassermasood

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They aren’t like the traditional hashtags, but they still sort of function like them. You don’t need to add the ‘#’ symbol. It’s been one of the many requested features by users, but the implementation looks to address the abuses experienced on other platforms.

They will also feed into the keyword search part, since it’ll consolidate results in a similar manner regardless of having a topic tag as it would be done based on the topic being a keyword itself.

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Both of these features are available on both iOS and Android, and the desktop web. Make sure you’ve updated the native mobile apps.

IMHO, both of these features are definitely laying the groundwork for the Instagram team to bring in more requested features in driving up. Maybe we could see a different type of ‘Trending Topics’ or even ‘Trending Keyword Searches’ on the platform itself.