Meta (Facebook’s parent company) launched a new app, “Threads.” This app is launched as a competitor of Twitter. Threads is a text-based app for community discussions, fostering engagement on diverse topics. It enable conversations on diverse interests, connecting users with preferred content creators and like-minded individuals.
Are people excited about it?
Very much. Within a few hours of launch, it had 30 million downloads. Can you imagine that? Now let’s compare these numbers with other famous apps. Netflix took 3.5 years to reach 1 million users; for Twitter it was 2 years; Facebook – 10 months; Instagram – 2.5 months and ChatGPT – 5 days. Just imagine!
Also, well-known personalities have joined the app, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Shakira, Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lopez, and Gordon Ramsay. Not only Hollywood celebrities but Bollywood’s hotshots have also joined.
Want to be a part of new trend? Here’s how:
To use Threads, individuals will require an Instagram account log in. After signing up, the process is straightforward. Users can follow individuals they follow on Instagram if they use Threads or discover and follow new people. However, it’s important to note that deleting a Threads account necessitates deleting the entire Instagram account.
Threads use an Instagram login, support posts up to 500 characters, and allows links, photos, and 5-minute videos. Threads are available in 100+ countries, supporting 30+ languages on iOS and Android platforms, as per the company.
Did Meta launch Threads as a part of competition, or was it part of their plan?
According to Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, Threads was a project that emerged from Instagram approximately seven months ago. The company deliberately decided to “make a bet” and compete with Twitter. The project, internally known as “Project 92,” was kept highly confidential, known to only a small team. Early app versions were kept secret from other departments within Meta during its development.
Threads is it better than Twitter or a clone of Twitter?
For regular Twitter users, the similarities between Threads and Twitter are apparent. Both apps feature newsfeeds, the option to ‘like’ content using heart-shaped symbols, and the ability to repost content. However, there are some differences in the terminology used. For instance, Threads uses the term ‘reposts’ instead of ‘retweets’ and refers to tweets as ‘threads.’ These slight wording variations retain a familiar user experience for Twitter users transitioning to Threads, distinguishing the two platforms. However, as Twitter’s usability has declined under the leadership of Musk, using Meta’s clone felt like a refreshing change. Opening the app and smoothly viewing and engaging with content provided a sense of relief from the perceived issues and challenges experienced on Twitter.
Since Musk assumed control of Twitter late last year, numerous users on the platform have voiced their desire for an alternative. The platform has experienced frequent technical problems and policy changes, prompting some prominent Twitter users to abandon it in search of other options.
Meta holds a significant advantage over Twitter in terms of its existing user base, primarily due to its global active Instagram users exceeding 2 billion. Meta aims to leverage this user base and attract a portion of it to the new Threads app. In comparison, Twitter’s active user base is around 250 million.
Will Meta face any challenges or criticism?
Meta faces the challenge of ensuring that Threads is free from issues such as spam, harassment, conspiracy theories, and false claims, contributing to user dissatisfaction on platforms like Twitter. The launch of Threads follows a period of significant workforce reductions at Meta, including employees in user experience, well-being, policy, and risk analytics. Additionally, as the campaign season for the 2024 US Presidential election approaches, experts have expressed concerns about the potential surge of misinformation. Meta states that its Community Guidelines, which govern its other apps, will also apply to Threads, indicating its commitment to addressing these issues on the new platform.
Future plans
Though Threads lacks advertisements, it could support Meta’s core advertising business. Meta’s advertising division has encountered difficulties due to a shrinking online ad market and Apple’s app privacy practices. However, considering Twitter’s experience, it is likely that it will attract less advertising revenue than Meta’s other platforms. For Mark Zuckerberg, the motivation to compete with Threads may stem from a desire to outperform his rival, Elon Musk, with whom he has been discussing plans for a cage fight recently. Winning the battle in social networks may be an even more appealing prospect for Zuckerberg. Learn how Threads can help you to grow your Business with us.
