Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently launched Threads, a groundbreaking app taking on Twitter. Threads reached unprecedented popularity in no time. Within the first four hours of launch there were already five million sign-ups, and by Thursday morning the app counted 30 million users. This much-discussed app is already being called the 'Twitter killer'.
Below you'll find all the essential information about Threads, the app turning the way we communicate on social media upside down.
What is Threads?
Threads is an app you can download for free and it revolves around text-based conversations. Meta designed Threads as a platform where communities come together to discuss all kinds of topics, from current interests to emerging trends. Whatever your interest, you can follow your favourite creators and connect directly with others who share the same interests.
Threads also gives you the chance to build a loyal group of followers with whom you can share your ideas, opinions and creativity with the world. It's a place where interaction and connection are central, and where you can build a community around the things you're passionate about. 🫶
Threads versus Twitter: the clash
If you know Twitter, you'll notice the similarities between Threads and Twitter. Both apps have a news feed, heart-shaped symbols to 'like' other users' content and the option to share posts. There are some differences in terminology though. Retweets are called 'reposts' in Threads, and tweets are called 'threads'. Despite these small differences, Twitter has threatened legal action.
Meta has drawn inspiration from competing products before, such as the introduction of the Reels feature on Instagram, which has a lot in common with TikTok. Mark Zuckerberg has openly stated that Threads is meant as a competitor to Twitter. He believes there's a need for a public platform for conversation with more than one billion users. Meta has a history of taking ideas from competing platforms and adapting them to create new and engaging experiences for their users. 🫣
How can you use Threads?
Using Threads requires an Instagram account to log in. Once you've signed up, you can get going straight away. You can choose to follow the same people as on Instagram, provided they use Threads too, or you can follow new people. It's worth knowing, though, that if you decide to download Threads and later want to delete your account, you'll have to delete your entire Instagram account as well. Something to keep in mind while using the app.
Because of privacy rules, Threads isn't available to European users yet, but the app can be downloaded through an American account.
What Threads can do
Threads offers several features for a text-based conversation experience. Posts have a maximum length of 500 characters, which lets users share concise and powerful messages. You can also share videos of up to five minutes long, leaving room for more extensive content. It's also possible to share posts as a link on other platforms and post them directly to your Instagram story, so you can share your Threads posts with a wider audience.
Threads is designed specifically to let users have public conversations, share their ideas and communicate with others who share the same interests. It's a platform where you can share your thoughts and creativity and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you want to start a discussion, share information or simply get in touch with others, Threads offers the chance to have meaningful interactions and make your voice heard within a community of like-minded users.
Which well-known people use Threads so far?
Threads has already attracted an impressive list of celebrities, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Shakira, Kim Kardashian, Oprah, Jennifer Lopez and Gordon Ramsay. So far these familiar names have mostly shared introductory content to mark their presence on the platform. Sarah Jessica Parker, for example, posted: "Good morning everyone. Posting. With optimism."
Kim Kardashian plans to share book titles, images from her daily life and her support for libraries through Threads. She hopes Threads will become a platform where kindness and thoughtfulness are encouraged and where negativity has no place.
This celebrity involvement contributes to the growing community of Threads users and encourages a positive and inspiring atmosphere within the app.
Conclusion
With the launch of Threads, Meta has taken a revolutionary step in the world of social media. This app offers a unique space where communities come together, ideas are shared and meaningful interactions take place. Whether you're a creative mind wanting to share your work, an enthusiastic reader looking for book tips, or simply looking for a platform to make your voice heard, Threads has everything it needs to enrich your digital experience.
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