Threads is currently testing a new integration with Meta AI, functioning much like X's Grok feature. Users with public accounts will have the ability to mention Meta AI within a post or reply to receive additional context. This feature is now in beta testing across Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina, and Singapore.

Through this integration, users can mention Meta AI to pose questions such as, "Why are people talking about the World Cup this month?", "Whose Met Gala looks are trending right now?", or "How are the Knicks doing in the playoffs?" Once invoked, Meta AI processes the request and generates a public reply, posted under the @meta.ai account. The AI will respond in the same language used in the original post where it was mentioned.

By embedding Meta AI directly into Threads, the platform is aiming to become more than just a space for discussing news and trends. It's positioning itself as a destination where users can access information and recommendations without needing to leave the app. This approach mirrors Grok's role on X, where users frequently ask the AI chatbot questions like, "Is this real?" or "Explain this."

Of course, giving an AI chatbot such visibility carries inherent risks. This was evident on X when Grok generated posts that praised Hitler. However, Meta AI reportedly has stronger safeguards in place compared to Grok, though it remains uncertain whether it will be prone to similar issues.

Meta notes that if users wish to see fewer Meta AI replies in their feed, they can mute @meta.ai, select the "Not interested" option on any Meta AI post, or hide a Meta AI reply that appears directly on their own post. The company says it plans to learn from early feedback and will continue refining the experience before expanding the feature to a broader audience.