Threads Works Towards Third-Party API Support, Aspires to be Leading Platform for Public Conversations

Instagram boss confirms work on API development despite concerns of publishers overshadowing creators; potential integration with open social media protocol ActivityPub also hinted.

Threads is working on creating a third-party Application Programming Interface (API). Despite the potential that publishers would create more content than creators, Instagram boss, Adam Mosseri, confirmed that developing the API 'seems like something we need to get done.'
Developing an API would allow third-party apps and web experiences to interact with Threads and view its content differently. New features that Threads is currently missing could also be introduced, such as lists or the ability to follow specific topics.
There is concern that an API would primarily benefit publishers, enabling them to push a large amount of content. However, Mosseri highlighted that creators would also benefit from the tools provided by API integration.
Threads, with nearly 100 million monthly active users, poses an opportunity for third-party developers who have faced difficulties due to Twitter and Reddit's changes to their API policies. Developers could potentially create experiences around Threads, expanding its app ecosystem.
Integration with the open social media protocol ActivityPub has also been discussed. Mosseri has committed to integrating Threads with ActivityPub, allowing Threads posts to appear in a collective feed alongside posts from other platforms like Mastodon and Lemmy.