Synopsis:
- Threads App, a new application developed by the Instagram team, allows users to share text updates and participate in public conversations.
- By logging in with their Instagram accounts, users can create posts with a maximum length of 500 characters, including links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes long.
- The creators of Threads are also working on making the app compatible with open and interoperable social networks, aiming to shape the future of the internet.
On July 5th, 2023, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, officially launched Threads, a competitor to Twitter. The app garnered 30 million sign-ups as of July 6th, including notable brands, celebrities, journalists, and other prominent accounts. Threads gained considerable attention, leading some to speculate if it could become a “Twitter killer.”
Given Twitter’s recent challenges, including criticism since Elon Musk took over in October 2022 and temporary limitations on content viewing, Threads could pose a serious threat. Additionally, for Meta, Threads provides an opportunity to expand its collection of popular apps and serve as a platform for advertising.
What Is Threads App?
Threads, developed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, resembles Twitter in its format, featuring predominantly text-based posts, although users can also share photos and videos. This platform allows real-time conversations, enabling users to reply to, repost, and quote others’ Threads posts. Combining elements from Instagram, Threads incorporates its aesthetic and navigation system while offering the option to share posts directly to Instagram Stories.
Users can choose to set their Thread accounts as public or private. Verified Instagram accounts automatically receive verification on Threads as well.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated in a Threads post that the vision behind the app is to create a friendly public space for conversations, building on Instagram’s strengths and fostering discussions around thoughts and ideas.
Early adopters experienced occasional glitches and content loading issues during the initial hours of Threads’ launch, which is common when a large number of users join and utilize an app simultaneously.
Signing Up
To sign up for Threads, users can use their existing Instagram accounts and retain their username, password, and account name. However, they can customize their bio specifically for Threads. Importing the list of accounts they follow from Instagram simplifies the onboarding process.
Leaving Threads, on the other hand, is not as straightforward. While users can temporarily deactivate their profiles within the app’s settings, permanently deleting their Threads profile requires deleting their Instagram account. Concerns have been raised by some users regarding the data collection practices of Threads and Instagram, including information such as location, contacts, search and browsing history, and contact details.
Does Threads App Be A Potential “Twitter killer”:
Threads joins the ranks of recently launched platforms aiming to challenge Twitter’s position as the primary app for real-time, public conversations. However, it may have the highest chance of success.
Since Elon Musk’s assumption of control over Twitter, many users have expressed a desire for an alternative platform. Frequent technical issues and policy changes have led notable Twitter users to seek alternatives.
Meta possesses a significant advantage over Twitter due to its substantial existing user base. With over 2 billion active Instagram users worldwide, Meta hopes to capture a portion of this user base with the new app. In comparison, Twitter’s active user base is approximately 250 million.
In a Threads post, Zuckerberg mentioned his aspiration to create a public conversations app with over 1 billion users, highlighting Twitter’s missed opportunity. Linda Yaccarino, the new CEO of Twitter, acknowledged Threads’ launch in a tweet but emphasized the irreplaceable nature of the Twitter community.
Meta’s scale and infrastructure provide an edge, as Threads allows users to join easily without waitlists or invitations and eliminates the need to rebuild their network on the new platform.
However, Adam Mosseri, CEO of Instagram, pointed out in a video that the challenge for new social media platforms lies not only in acquiring users but also in maintaining their long-term engagement.
Currently, Threads offers increased screen time to its users. Although it is still too early to determine if Threads will surpass Twitter’s success, users can enjoy the initial stage of the app without commercials, akin to the honeymoon period of Facebook and other apps. Users have the opportunity to express themselves through text and photos.
Ultimately, the fate of Threads as a potential Twitter replacement remains uncertain. Despite having a smaller fanbase, Threads offers a unique platform. If it faces setbacks, it will likely be due to its own policies, such as the limited tweet read. While Musk suing Zuckerberg adds to the rivalry, the real battle lies in Musk’s response, demonstrating to Twitter’s users the irreplaceable value of the app. If he wishes to charge users, he must justify why spending money on Twitter is worthwhile.
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