Meta launches ads on Threads

Meta is rolling out ads on its Threads app, targeting a rapidly expanding social media platform with over 300 million monthly active users.

This move transforms Threads from a pure social experience into a potential advertising powerhouse, allowing businesses to easily extend their existing Meta ad campaigns with minimal additional effort.

Big picture. Advertisers can now add Threads to their campaign reach by simply checking a box in Ads Manager. Initially, the test will feature image ads appearing intermittently in users’ home feeds.

Key details:

• Small-scale initial test with limited advertisers.
• Ads will appear between content in the home feed.
• Three out of four Threads users already follow at least one business (according to internal Meta data).

Why we care. Advertisers included in this pilot, can easily extend their existing Meta ad campaigns to a new, rapidly growing platform with 300 million monthly active users, with minimal additional creative work. By getting in early, advertisers can establish a presence, gain unique audience insights, and potentially capture market share before the platform becomes saturated with competitors.

Between the lines. Meta is treading carefully, promising close monitoring of the ad experience and providing user controls like ad skipping and reporting.

Brand safety. The company is implementing its existing brand safety tools, including an AI-powered inventory filter that helps advertisers control the content context of their ads.

What’s next. Meta plans to expand the ad program gradually, using user feedback and engagement metrics to guide future rollout.

Bottom line. Threads is transforming from a Twitter alternative to a potential advertising platform, leveraging Meta’s extensive ad infrastructure.