Introducing Threads, Twitter’s new competitor with 100m sign-ups
Get ready for a social media showdown as Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, unleashes its latest creation: Threads. With just three months since its announcement, Threads is already making waves, boasting 30 million sign-ups within its first day.
This new platform has caught the attention of brands, celebrities, journalists, and countless other influential figures. This has sparked a fierce debate on whether it has what it takes to be the "Twitter killer."
As if to answer the question, Threads swiftly scaled to the peak of Apple's App Store and became a trending topic on Twitter. The battle is on!
Threads is a serious threat to Twitter, which has faced its fair share of backlash since Elon Musk assumed control in October 2022. With a "fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants" approach, Twitter has frustrated users, and recent controversies have further exposed its vulnerability.
Users' anger reached a boiling point when Twitter temporarily limited their daily content consumption. Meanwhile, Meta sees an opportunity to expand its empire of popular apps and capitalize on advertising opportunities with Threads.
But what exactly is Threads, and how does it compare to Twitter?
Threads app, developed by Meta, combines elements of both Twitter and Instagram. It presents users with a feed of text-based posts reminiscent of Twitter, where real-time conversations occur.
While the primary focus is text, Threads allow users to share photos and videos, blurring the line between the two social media giants. This innovative platform draws inspiration from Twitter's conversational nature and incorporates Instagram's familiar aesthetic and navigation system.
Like Twitter, users can engage with posts by replying, reposting, and quoting others' content. However, Threads differentiates itself by offering an Instagram-like experience with its visual appeal and user-friendly interface. Additionally, verified Instagram accounts are automatically verified on Threads, simplifying the verification process for users.
To join Threads, users can sign up using their existing Instagram accounts. This seamless integration allows users to retain their usernames, passwords, and account names, offering a hassle-free onboarding experience.
While signing up for Threads is a breeze, leaving the app requires more consideration. Although users can temporarily deactivate their profiles through the app's settings, permanently deleting a Threads profile requires deleting the associated Instagram account. Concerns have been raised about the data collection practices of Threads just like Instagram.
Threads are available in over 100 countries, and so it caters to a diverse international audience. With support for more than 30 languages, the app aims to foster global conversations and bridge cultural boundaries. Meta's commitment to accessibility ensures that users worldwide can engage with the platform in their preferred language.
In recent months, several platforms have emerged in an attempt to dethrone Twitter as the go-to app for real-time, public conversations. But Threads stands out as the most formidable contender for several reasons.
Many Twitter users have desired an alternative since Elon Musk's controversial tenure began. Frequent technical issues and policy changes have left notable Twitter users seeking refuge elsewhere.
For Meta, Threads is an opportunity to increase engagement among its vast user base. While advertising is not yet integrated into the platform, Threads could ultimately supplement Meta's core advertising business. Meta's ad business could use a boost after encountering challenges stemming from the decline in the online ad market and Apple's app privacy changes.
With its innovative blend of Twitter and Instagram features, Threads has the potential to revolutionize the way we engage in public conversations.
As the battle for social media dominance unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Threads will live up to its "Twitter killer" hype.
