Meta recently launched a new feature for its platform Threads - Trending Topic Highlights. It aims to enable users to more intuitively see the trending topics when browsing the information flow, quickly join the hot discussions, and increase the interaction rate. Whether it is sports events, film and television hot spots or breaking news, Threads is trying to grasp the content rhythm of "here and now" and challenge X's dominance in the field of real-time discussions.
In this post, we'll break down what this feature means and provide a practical guide on how to use it to create highly engaging real-time content.
What is Trending Topic highlighting?
Meta officially stated:
"The Threads highlighter elevates and emphasizes unique perspectives that lead to thoughtful conversations... to mark Trending topics – with more placements coming soon."
in short:
Threads will display the current hot topics with special visual markers in important locations (such as information flow)
These topics are being discussed by a large number of users and are trending and timely.
You can directly click on these highlighted topics to enter the centralized discussion area and quickly join the hot discussion
This means that, compared to the past, you no longer need to search around or rely on algorithms to recommend content, but can actively discover and participate in the hottest trending conversations, just like in X (formerly Twitter).
What changes can it bring?
1. Increase exposure
When your content is close to current trending topics, there is a higher probability that it will be highlighted and recommended to more people.
2. Improve real-time interaction
Highlight prompts can guide users to participate in hot discussions "right now", increase comments and reposts.
3. Strengthening the sense of community
Threads is currently more focused on "community" and "thinking communication" rather than pure information flow bombardment. The highlight mechanism helps to highlight "unique perspectives", not just following the trend, but promoting the development of valuable topics.
Why Threads launches trending topic highlighting feature?
Although the number of Threads users is growing, many people still return to X to watch live sports discussions, breaking news, and hot topics in movies and TV. This is because:
X has established a strong connection between user habits and circle ecology
Threads used to lack real-time and topic aggregation capabilities
The launch of Trending Highlights is a key step for Meta to narrow this gap.
By displaying hot topics directly in the main feed, Threads is trying to allow users to "browse hot topics, chat about events, and express opinions" without switching apps.
How to use "hot topic highlighting" to create real-time hot posts? [Tutorial]
1. Pay attention to the highlighted topics as soon as possible
Currently, the highlight function mainly appears in the discovery page and the main information flow, and may be extended to the search or topic page in the future.
Practical skills:
When scrolling through the homepage, look for posts with the tags "Trending" or "Highlighter"
Click on a tag to view the full topic flow and quickly gain insight into mainstream opinions and hot sub-topics
Use the combination of "Search + Hotword Completion" to discover hidden trends (such as event abbreviations, actor names, etc.)
2. Quickly participate and contribute opinionated content
Meta says that "highlighters emphasize unique viewpoints that spark thoughtful discussion." In other words, the platform favors "insightful talk" over simply regurgitating the news.
Practical skills:
Use the reply function of Threads to participate in the main topic
The recommended content structure is [topic viewpoint + data support/emotional resonance + ending question]
Try to post at the early stage of the topic so that the system can push it more easily.
3. Associate with personal/brand positioning and do "field-based and hot spots"
Instead of blindly following all hot topics, it is better to focus on the "sub-hot topics" related to your account positioning.
Practical skills:
If you are a digital blogger and the hot topic is the Apple conference, focus on "price/feature comparison"
If you are an entertainment blogger and the hot topic is a new drama, focus on "character/plot twist interpretation"
If you are a brand account, post attitude copywriting or interesting interactions around relevant topics that match the brand tone
4. Make good use of mixed forms of pictures, texts and videos to increase the duration of stay
Currently, Threads' text, pictures and short video content are still in a rapid development stage, and content with diverse forms is more likely to be recommended.
Practical skills:
Quickly create a picture: screenshot + text title + emotional color
If time permits, you can use the template tool to quickly edit a short video of less than 15 seconds (with dubbing)
Keep the post short and clear, and use high-quality graphics to enhance communication
Where will Trending Highlights appear?
Currently, these hotspot highlights will appear on your:
Threads Main Feed
Recommended content section (Explore)
Search suggestions (Coming soon)
Meta also revealed that highlight displays will be added to more places in the future to continuously optimize the user experience.
Why is this important for content creators/brands?
This update of Threads means that the platform is increasing the distribution of real-time and trending content. For content publishers, as long as you "take advantage of the popularity", you are more likely to be recommended by the system, seen by users, and trigger interaction.
In this era of scarce attention, occupying the "real-time traffic entrance" is equivalent to winning at the starting line.
Especially suitable for these groups:
We-media/bloggers who want to create real-time hot news content
Operators who are engaged in brand content marketing and hope to take advantage of current events
Short content creator focusing on sports, entertainment, and social topics
KOLs or new accounts who want to establish the "Trend Insights" tag
Conclusion
Threads' " Trending Topic Highlights " is not just a tag function, it marks Meta's determination to build Threads into a "high-quality real-time discussion platform".
If you are a content creator, brand marketer, or information tracker, now is a good time to seize the opportunity.
Have you seen the "Trending Topic Highlights" on Threads? What discussions have you participated in?
