Twitter now has a fierce competitor as Meta launches a new app set to attract more users from Twitter. Threads by Meta is a platform replicating the same purpose as Twitter, a town square where people interact on many topics. But Meta has reiterated that they would want their new Threads app to be more sane and without vile, unlike some of their apparent competitors.
Unlike Meta's Instagram, the Threads app is a text-based social media platform that gives you the option of posting pictures and other media. Since launching the app, it is already available in more than 100 countries. That's not even the point. In less than 24 hours, the app has already crossed more than 10 million user sign-ups. Twitter should be scared!
Meta had this to say about the app shortly before it was launched.
Threads by Meta — The Text Version of Instagram
In their announcement about their new app, Meta said the Instagram team developed Threads.
"Mark Zuckerberg just announced the initial version of Threads, an app built by the Instagram team for sharing with text. Whether you’re a creator or a casual poster, Threads offers a new, separate space for real-time updates and public conversations. We are working toward making Threads compatible with the open, interoperable social networks that we believe can shape the future of the internet," Meta said.
Basically, Meta said their Threads app is the text version of Instagram. They already noted that the app will work hand in hand with their Instagram app. However, while Instagram is mostly known as a platform where people post pictures, Threads aims to be the text version. Here, people can express themselves with texts on different subjects.
"Our vision with Threads is to take what Instagram does best and expand that to text, creating a positive and creative space to express your ideas. Just like on Instagram, with Threads, you can follow and connect with friends and creators who share your interests – including the people you follow on Instagram and beyond. And you can use our existing suite of safety and user controls," Meta added.
So what does the app look like? What should one expect from the app?
How Does the New Thread App Work?
Threads app download has already crossed over 1 million downloads on Playstore and Apple App Store. The home feed of this platform looks more like a combination of Instagram and Twitter. It looks like you are on Instagram, and then the text-based nature of the app looks like Twitter.
The short-form text, limited to 500 characters, allows users to create posts aligning with their interests. According to the platform's policies, the content appearing on users' feeds will be mostly dominated by those they follow. However, the recommendation algorithm will still pop out posts from non-followers.
The like, share, and comment buttons on this app resemble those of Instagram. Those with Instagram accounts can link it directly to the app, and it will have the same username and profile. But they can choose to edit it.
Actually, it's an open secret that Meta launched the Thread app to give frustrated Twitter users a better alternative. This was after the former Twitter CEO Elon Musk limited the number of times users could view posts in a day.
Meta has emphasized mainly the sanity of the platform while making the announcement. They have allowed users to mute, block, and report other accounts and content. Basically, this app follows the same policy as Instagram.