Meta’s Threads tests new community features with flairs and Champion badges

Meta is expanding the communities feature on Threads by adding more topic-specific spaces and testing engagement tools such as flairs and contributor badges, as the platform looks to deepen conversations and attract users around shared interests.

Meta-owned microblogging platform Threads is rolling out updates to its communities feature, expanding the number of topic-based discussion spaces available to users. The company said it has now crossed 200 communities, up from around 100 when the feature was introduced in October.

The expansion focuses on creating more narrowly defined groups, moving beyond broad subject categories to more specific interest-based spaces. For example, sports discussions are now being organised into team-level communities rather than a single group for an entire league. This approach allows users to participate in more focused conversations tailored to their interests.

Communities on Threads are public spaces created and managed by Meta. Users can join discussions around topics they care about, and the communities they participate in are visible on their profiles. The move is seen as part of Threads’ broader effort to bring structure to conversations that traditionally unfold on open timelines.

Flairs and badges aim to reward participation

Alongside the community expansion, Threads is testing new features designed to increase user engagement. One such feature is the introduction of flairs, which are short, customisable labels displayed below a user’s name within a community. These labels allow members to share additional context, such as personal interests or affiliations related to the topic.

The platform is also experimenting with a “Champion” badge, which highlights users who are particularly active and influential within a community. According to Meta, these badges are being awarded to a limited number of members who consistently contribute to discussions and have established followings within specific topics.

Industry observers note that these features resemble tools commonly found on platforms like Reddit, suggesting that Threads is positioning itself as a destination for deeper, interest-driven engagement. By offering dedicated spaces and recognition for active contributors, Meta appears to be encouraging users to spend more time engaging in meaningful conversations on Threads.