Facebook-parent Meta officially launched its Twitter competitor, Instagram Threads, after announcing its plans for the app just three months ago.
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Table of Contents
Key Features
| Features | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Text-based platform | Threads is a decentralized social media platform that primarily focuses on text-based content. Users can post and share text, images, and videos up to five minutes long. |
| Instagram integration | Although Threads is a standalone application, Instagram users can log in to Threads using their existing usernames. Their verification status and handles will remain the same as their Instagram profile. |
| Public conversations | Threads provides a separate space for real-time updates and public conversations. Users can follow and connect directly with their favorite creators and others who share similar interests. |
| Safety and user controls | Threads offers a comprehensive set of safety and user controls to ensure a secure and enjoyable user experience. When users under the age of 16 (or 18 in certain countries) join the Threads app, their profiles will automatically be set to private. |
| Compatibility with interoperable networks | Threads aims to be compatible with open and interoperable social networks that shape the future of the internet. Users of compatible apps will be able to follow and interact with people on Threads without requiring a Threads account, and vice versa. |
| Missing features | As a new app, Threads currently lacks some features such as direct messages (DMs), language translation, the ability to edit posts, and the ability to search hashtags. |
A Strong Start for Threads
Threads has seen a strong start, with the company reporting 30 million sign-ups as of Thursday morning. The app has attracted numerous brands, celebrities, journalists, and other prominent accounts.
The launch of Threads created a buzz similar to the first day of school, with early adopters eager to try out the app and make their first posts. Some have even speculated that Threads could become the “Twitter killer.” Within a short period, Threads became the top free app on Apple’s App Store and a trending topic on Twitter.
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Threads poses a significant threat to Twitter, especially given the recent backlash it has faced since Elon Musk took over in October 2022. Twitter’s decision to impose temporary limitations on daily content viewing has further weakened its position. For Meta, Threads represents an opportunity to expand its empire of popular apps and create a new platform for ad sales.
An Overview of Meta’s Instagram Threads
What is Instagram Threads?
Threads is a new app developed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The platform resembles Twitter, featuring a feed primarily composed of text-based posts. Users can also share photos and videos and engage in real-time conversations.
Messages posted on Threads are limited to 500 characters. Similar to Twitter, users can reply to, repost, and quote others’ posts. The app incorporates Instagram’s aesthetic and navigation system, allowing users to directly share posts from Threads to Instagram Stories.
Public and private thread accounts are available and verified Instagram accounts automatically receive verification on Threads.
According to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the vision for Threads is to create a friendly public space for conversation. The goal is to leverage Instagram’s strengths and build a new experience centered around text, ideas, and discussing what’s on one’s mind.
Despite occasional glitches during the initial hours following Threads’ launch, these minor issues are expected when millions of users join and use an app simultaneously.
How to Sign Up and Leave Instagram Threads
Users can sign up for Threads using their Instagram accounts, keeping the same username, password, and account name. However, they have the option to customize their bio specifically for Threads. Additionally, users can import the list of accounts they follow on Instagram, streamlining the onboarding process.
Leaving Threads is not as straightforward. While users can temporarily deactivate their profiles through the app’s settings section, permanently deleting a Threads profile requires deleting the corresponding Instagram account. Some users have expressed concerns about the data collection practices of Threads and Instagram, including location tracking, contact access, search and browsing history, and contact information.
Instagram Threads as the Potential ‘ Twitter Killer ‘
Threads is the latest platform aiming to challenge Twitter’s dominance as the go-to app for real-time public conversations. However, Threads stands a better chance of success than previous contenders.
Threads is currently available in 100 countries and supports over 30 languages on Apple’s iOS and Android platforms.
Foremost, Many Twitter users have been seeking alternatives since Musk’s takeover in late 2022. Frequent technical issues and policy changes have prompted notable Twitter users to seek alternative platforms.
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Consequently, Meta possesses a significant advantage over Twitter due to the size of its existing user base. With over 2 billion active Instagram users worldwide, Meta aims to capture a substantial portion of them through the new app. In comparison, Twitter’s active user base stands at around 250 million.
Mark Zuckerberg believes that a public conversations app with over 1 billion users can become a reality, and Meta is poised to make it happen. Twitter’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, acknowledged Threads’ launch in a tweet, emphasizing the unique nature of the Twitter community.
Meta’s existing scale and infrastructure give it an edge over competitors. Unlike other recent Twitter alternatives that required users to join waitlists or receive invitations, Threads simplifies the onboarding process, making it effortless for users to get started.
However, Meta will face challenges in maintaining user engagement over the long term. Preventing spam, harassment, conspiracy theories, and false claims will be crucial for the platform’s success. Meta’s Community Guidelines, already applicable to its other apps, will also govern Threads.
Advantages And Limitations
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Real-time conversations | Missing features: Threads is a new app and currently lacks certain features such as direct messages (DMs), language translation, the ability to edit posts, and the ability to search hashtags. |
| Instagram Integration | Privacy concerns: According to a privacy expert, Threads could collect a wide range of personal information, including health, financial, contacts, browsing and search history, location data, purchases, and “sensitive info.” |
| Compatibility with interoperable networks | Limited availability: Threads is currently not available in the European Union. |
| Safety and user controls |
Additional Benefits for Meta
For Meta, Threads represent an opportunity to increase engagement among its massive user base. Although the platform currently lacks advertising, it could potentially supplement Meta’s core advertising business in the future. Given the challenges Meta’s ad business has faced, including the overall decline in the online ad market and Apple’s privacy practice changes, Threads could provide a much-needed boost. However, it is unlikely to attract the same level of ad revenue as Meta’s other platforms.
Beyond business considerations, Mark Zuckerberg likely views the competition with Musk as a personal challenge. While both have been making plans for a cage fight, the battle for social network dominance might be an even more significant victory.
Finally, Meta’s launch of Threads introduces a potential rival to Twitter. With its strong start and similarities to Twitter, Threads has the opportunity to attract a substantial user base. However, long-term engagement, moderation, and competition with Twitter’s unique community remain critical factors in Threads’ success.
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