What is Threads? Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has officially launched Threads, its new app that aims to compete with Twitter. Within just three months of announcing its plans, Threads has already garnered significant attention, with 30 million sign-ups, including prominent brands, celebrities, and journalists. The app's launch has generated excitement reminiscent of the first day of school, with early adopters flocking to try it out and share their initial posts. Threads quickly became the top free app on Apple's App Store and a trending topic on Twitter.
The emergence of Threads poses a serious challenge to Twitter, which has faced criticism since Elon Musk took over the platform in October 2022 and implemented a more impromptu approach. Recent discontent among Twitter users due to a temporary limit on daily content consumption has made the platform particularly vulnerable. From Meta's perspective, Threads offers an opportunity to expand its portfolio of popular apps and serve as a new advertising platform.
What Do We Know About Threads?
Threads offers the option to create both public and private accounts, and verified Instagram accounts are automatically verified on Threads. Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, explained that the vision for Threads is to create a friendly and open space for conversations, building on Instagram's strengths and fostering discussions around ideas and thoughts.
Although some users experienced minor glitches and loading issues during the initial hours after the app's launch, such occurrences are typical when millions of users join and start using an app simultaneously.
How Do You Sign Up On Threads?
Signing up for Threads is done through Instagram accounts, with users retaining their existing username, password, and account name. However, they can customize their bio to make it unique to Threads. Additionally, users can import the list of accounts they follow directly from Instagram, simplifying the onboarding process.
Where is Threads Available?
While temporary deactivation is possible, fully deleting a Threads profile requires deleting the corresponding Instagram account. Some users have expressed concerns about the data collection practices of Threads, similar to Instagram, which can include location information, contact details, search and browsing history, and more, as outlined in the Apple App Store.
Threads is available in 100 countries and supports more than 30 languages on iOS and Android devices.
Could Threads be the "Twitter killer"?
While many alternative platforms have emerged recently, aiming to dethrone Twitter as the go-to app for real-time public conversations, Threads stands a better chance of success. Twitter users have increasingly desired an alternative since Elon Musk's takeover, driven by frequent technical issues and policy changes. Meta has an advantage in terms of its massive user base, as it aims to attract over 2 billion active Instagram users to Threads, compared to Twitter's estimated 250 million active users.
Meta's scale and existing infrastructure give it an edge over its competitors. Unlike other recent Twitter alternatives that required users to join waitlists or receive invitations, Threads offers a seamless transition for users with its integration of existing Instagram networks. However, keeping users engaged long-term will be a challenge, as retaining user interest has been an obstacle for new social media platforms.
Threads vs Twitter
Threads and Twitter are two competing platforms in the realm of real-time public conversations. While Threads is a new offering from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Twitter has long established itself as the go-to app for sharing thoughts and engaging in discussions. Threads presents a fresh alternative for users dissatisfied with Twitter's recent issues, including technical glitches and policy changes under new leadership. With its similar interface and the advantage of Meta's extensive user base, Threads has the potential to pose a significant challenge to Twitter's dominance in the social media landscape. Only time will tell if Threads can truly become the "Twitter killer" and provide users with a more seamless and engaging conversation experience.
What else is in it for Meta?
Meta will need to address concerns regarding spam, harassment, conspiracy theories, and false claims on Threads, issues that have soured many Twitter users. The platform's launch follows Meta's layoffs, including employees responsible for user experience, well-being, policy, and risk analytics. As the 2024 US Presidential election campaign season approaches, experts warn of an impending wave of misinformation. Meta states that its Community Guidelines will apply to Threads, as they do to its other apps.
Threads currently lacks advertisements, but it could serve as an additional engagement tool for Meta's extensive user base. While Meta's advertising business has faced challenges from the declining online ad market and Apple's privacy practices, it's unlikely that Threads will attract as many ad dollars as Meta's other platforms.
For Mark Zuckerberg, the appeal of Threads may lie in the opportunity to outshine his rival, Elon Musk, with whom he has recently been discussing plans for a cage fight. Winning the battle of social networks could be an even greater victory for Zuckerberg.
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