Threads has begun integrating with the fediverse using the ActivityPub protocol, but not all features are available yet. One key missing capability is the ability to follow users from other fediverse platforms such as Mastodon directly from Threads. This article explains the current rollout status of fediverse features in Threads, why following external accounts is not yet supported, and what users can expect in future updates.
Key Takeaways: Threads Fediverse Rollout Status
- Profile > Privacy > Fediverse sharing: Enables public Threads posts to appear on Mastodon and other ActivityPub servers.
- No follow button for fediverse accounts: Threads cannot follow or interact with external fediverse users directly from the app.
- Rollout is gradual: Following and other cross-platform features are expected in later updates, not yet scheduled.
Current Fediverse Features in Threads
Threads introduced fediverse sharing in early 2024. This feature lets users who opt in make their public posts visible on other ActivityPub-compatible platforms such as Mastodon, Pixelfed, and PeerTube. When enabled, posts from Threads appear on external servers, and users on those platforms can reply to or boost them. However, the integration is one-directional at this stage. Threads users cannot follow accounts from Mastodon or other fediverse services. They can only see interactions from external users on their own public posts. The feature is opt-in and applies only to public profiles. Private profiles are excluded from fediverse sharing entirely.
Why Threads Cannot Follow Fediverse Users Yet
The limitation stems from Threads being built on Instagram’s infrastructure. Instagram’s social graph and moderation systems are not designed to handle external accounts from disparate servers. Following a Mastodon user would require Threads to pull profile data, timelines, and content from a server that may have different moderation policies, content rules, and security standards. Meta has stated that it is building these capabilities carefully to ensure user safety and compliance with local laws. The company has also indicated that cross-platform following will require new features in the ActivityPub protocol itself, such as support for private messages and account discovery across servers. As a result, the rollout is phased: sharing came first, following and replying to external accounts will come later.
Steps to Check Your Fediverse Sharing Status
Even though following is not available, you can verify that your Threads account is set up for fediverse sharing. This ensures your public posts reach a wider audience.
- Open Threads and go to your profile
Tap the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. - Tap the menu icon
Look for the two horizontal lines in the top right corner of your profile page. - Select Settings
From the menu that appears, choose Settings. - Tap Privacy
In the Settings list, tap the Privacy option. - Find Fediverse sharing
Scroll down to the Fediverse sharing entry. If it says On, your public posts are shared to the fediverse. If it says Off, tap it and toggle the switch to enable sharing.
Once enabled, any new public post you create will appear on Mastodon and other ActivityPub servers. Existing posts are not retroactively shared.
What to Expect in Future Updates
Meta has publicly stated that following accounts from other fediverse platforms is a planned feature. The company is working on the infrastructure needed to handle external profiles, timelines, and interactions. No specific release date has been announced. In the meantime, users who want to follow Mastodon accounts can use a separate Mastodon client or web interface. Threads will likely add the ability to reply to and boost posts from external users at the same time as following. The timeline for these features depends on testing and regulatory reviews in different regions.
Common Misconceptions About Fediverse Following
“I can follow Mastodon users from Threads if I search their handle”
Searching for a Mastodon handle in Threads does not return results from the fediverse. Threads search only looks at Threads and Instagram accounts. Even if you find a Mastodon user who also has a Threads account, you are following their Threads profile, not their Mastodon profile.
“Fediverse sharing means all my posts go to every fediverse server”
Your posts are only visible on servers that your Threads account has chosen to federate with. Meta controls which servers are allowed. If a Mastodon instance is blocked by Meta, your posts will not appear there. You cannot manually choose servers.
“I can reply to Mastodon replies on my Threads posts”
Currently, replies from Mastodon users appear on your Threads post within the Threads app. You can see them and interact with them, but you can only reply from your Threads account. Your reply will appear on the Mastodon user’s server as a reply from your Threads profile. However, you cannot initiate a conversation by replying to a Mastodon post that is not a reply to your own Threads post.
Threads vs Mastodon: Federation Features Compared
| Feature | Threads (Current) | Mastodon |
|---|---|---|
| Publish posts to fediverse | Yes (opt-in, public only) | Yes (all posts by default) |
| Follow external fediverse accounts | No | Yes |
| Reply to external posts | Only to replies on own posts | Yes |
| Boost external posts | No | Yes |
| Private messaging across servers | No | No (not in ActivityPub core) |
Threads is currently a one-way bridge to the fediverse. Mastodon offers full two-way federation. The gap is expected to narrow as Meta rolls out additional features, but no timeline exists for parity.
You can now verify your Threads fediverse sharing status and understand why following external accounts is not yet possible. Keep an eye on the Threads blog or Meta’s official announcements for updates on following and replying features. As a practical tip, use a dedicated Mastodon client like Tusky or Mastodon Web to follow and interact with fediverse accounts while waiting for Threads to expand its federation capabilities.