Meta has officially acquired the domain Threads.com, according to updates in the Whois database as of September 24. This acquisition marks a significant move for Meta, confirming the domain’s transfer under Instagram, which operates as part of Meta’s portfolio. The shift was initially spotted by users active in domain-related forums, fueling speculation about Meta’s future plans for its burgeoning social platform, Threads.
A Shift from Threads.net to Threads.com
Since its launch in 2023, Meta’s social platform Threads has operated under the Threads.net domain. This was largely due to the fact that Threads.com was owned by another company at the time—a Slack alternative startup. Despite not owning the most obvious domain for their new platform, Meta proceeded with its launch, which quickly became a significant player in the social media landscape.
Following the release of Meta’s Threads, the startup that owned Threads.com began to receive interest from multiple companies eager to acquire the domain. Speculation grew over the startup’s future and the possibility of a sale. This intense interest came as no surprise given the competitive nature of branding in the tech industry, especially around prominent domain names.
Shopify’s Temporary Ownership
In an unexpected twist, Shopify stepped in and acquired Threads.com in June 2024. Although the purchase price was not disclosed, the startup’s official statement at the time revealed it had rejected multiple offers in the past. However, they decided to move forward with the sale due to changing circumstances and a desire to align with a larger organization like Shopify. This change was significant, as it temporarily removed Meta from the equation, despite the fact that many had assumed Meta would ultimately pursue the domain.
SEE ALSO: Meta’s Threads Surpasses 175 Million Monthly Users in Its First Year
Meta’s Interest and Strategic Timing
As attention surrounding the Threads platform grew, it became increasingly likely that Meta would revisit the idea of acquiring the Threads.com domain. With over 200 million users to date, Meta’s Threads platform has solidified itself as a major contender in the social media space, directly competing with X (formerly Twitter). The acquisition of the domain has now reignited interest in how Meta plans to expand its footprint and further enhance Threads as a social network.
Though Threads.com is not yet active under Meta’s control, its acquisition signals a possible new phase for the social platform. It is anticipated that Meta will eventually migrate the platform from Threads.net to Threads.com, a move that would undoubtedly strengthen its brand presence and boost its engagement with users.
What’s Next for Meta’s Threads?
The acquisition of Threads.com could represent more than just a branding exercise. As Meta continues to build out Threads as a key component of its ecosystem, the domain could play an important role in future plans, including enhanced user experiences, new features, and deeper integration with Meta’s other platforms, such as Instagram. Given the competitive nature of the social media landscape, every edge counts, and securing a high-value domain like Threads.com could give Meta a leg up as it strives to maintain momentum and attract even more users.
In the coming months, industry insiders and users alike will be watching closely to see how Meta incorporates Threads.com into its broader strategy, and what new developments lie ahead for its rapidly growing social platform.
