Threads Rolls Out Time Management Features to Combat Excessive Scrolling

Threads has launched new time management tools that allow users to monitor and limit their daily app usage, as the platform continues to experience significant growth in both user numbers and engagement time.

The new features, which mirror similar tools available on Instagram, come as Threads reaches 400 million monthly active users and 150 million daily active users, solidifying its position as a growing hub for real-time conversations.

Rising popularity drives need for usage controls

App researcher Jonah Manzano first spotted the new Time Management options, which are now appearing for more users as part of a broader rollout this week. Located in Account Settings, the tools provide users with daily usage statistics and two key features to help manage screen time:

• Daily time limits that alert users when they've reached a self-imposed threshold
• Sleep mode settings that can be customized for different days of the week

These additions arrive as Meta reported a 10% increase in time spent on Threads during Q3, which the company attributes to improvements in its content recommendation algorithms. The enhanced algorithms aim to show users more relevant posts each time they open the app.

However, the increased engagement may also reflect Threads' growing momentum. As more people join the platform, post volume increases, which in turn attracts additional users interested in participating in conversations.

"The growth momentum is definitely working in Threads' favor right now, and it does seem like it could well become the top app for real-time discussion at some stage," noted Andrew Hutchinson in the Social Media Today report.

Balancing growth with digital wellbeing

Meta's introduction of time management features represents an acknowledgment of potential concerns about excessive social media use. The tools provide reminders for users who might benefit from taking breaks, though their effectiveness relies on users having the self-discipline to heed the warnings.

The feature implementation is straightforward and familiar to anyone who uses Instagram's similar tools. Users can view their daily usage patterns and set customized alerts based on their personal screen time goals.

For businesses and marketers, Threads' continued growth presents new opportunities for engagement. The platform's evolution into a hub for real-time discussion creates fertile ground for timely content and meaningful interactions with audiences. Companies looking to increase their business productivity through social media should consider adding Threads to their platform mix given its growing user base.

How to use Threads' time management features

Setting up time limits on Threads is simple:

1. Navigate to Account Settings within the app
2. Locate and select the "Time Management" option
3. Review your daily usage statistics
4. Set custom daily time limits based on your preferences
5. Configure sleep mode settings for different days of the week

These tools can be especially useful for social media professionals who need to balance platform engagement with productivity and mental health considerations. For teams managing remote staff, these features complement other time and attendance systems for remote workers, ensuring social media managers don't experience burnout from excessive platform use.

Benefits for professional users

Professional users can gain significant advantages from these new time management features:

• More efficient content creation and engagement scheduling
• Reduced risk of digital fatigue and improved focus
• Better work-life balance while maintaining an active social media presence

According to a recent study by the Digital Wellness Institute, implementing app usage limits can increase productivity by up to 23% and reduce stress levels associated with social media use.

What this means for users and businesses

The introduction of time management features on Threads highlights Meta's awareness of digital wellbeing concerns while continuing to develop a platform that competes in the real-time discussion space once dominated by Twitter (now X).

For users, these features provide practical tools to maintain healthier relationships with social media. Much like how Netflix asks "Are you still watching?" after extended viewing sessions, Threads' time alerts serve as digital nudges to be more mindful of screen time.

For businesses and marketers, understanding Threads' growing influence is crucial for social media strategy development. With 400 million monthly active users and increasing engagement times, the platform represents a significant opportunity for brands looking to connect with audiences in authentic, timely conversations. Organizations focused on working smarter through automation can leverage Threads' analytics alongside these time management features to optimize their social media workflows.

As Threads continues to evolve, these time management features represent just one aspect of Meta's broader strategy to create a sustainable, engaging platform that can potentially become the premier destination for real-time discussions online.