Threads just rolled out Live Chats, a new feature that lets users join public, real-time group conversations during live events like NBA games. Think of it as a hybrid between classic group chats and trending topics — a space where people watching the same event can talk, react, and share in the moment.

Once inside a chat, users can send messages including photos, videos, and links, or tap reaction emojis to show how they feel about the action. Even if a chat reaches capacity, people can still watch the conversation unfold, react to messages, and vote in polls. The feature lives in community spaces, with ongoing and upcoming chats appearing at the top of communities like NBA Threads. After joining, users can access the conversation from their Messages tab alongside regular chats.

For now, only a select group of creators and Community Champions can host Live Chats. Eligible hosts schedule sessions through their Community's three-dot menu, naming the chat and setting start and end times. They can then share to their Threads feed or Instagram Story to build an audience.

The feature puts Meta in direct competition with Twitter's event-driven conversations and other platforms offering live chat experiences during sports and breaking news.