Threads, an app developed by Instagram, enables users to create threads, and interact with others by replying to their posts, and following profiles of interest. Threads and replies may comprise short pieces of text, links, photos, videos, or any combination thereof.
The new app was recently introduced as a companion to Instagram, the widely-used photo-sharing platform acquired by Meta, the company founded by Mr. Zuckerberg, over a decade ago.
Some people in the tech community have even dubbed it a potential “Twitter killer,” as Instagram executives hope for its success in competing with the rival social media platform.
The launch of Threads intensifies the competition between Mr. Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, who purchased Twitter the previous year. Musk’s influence on Twitter, through adjustments to its algorithm and other features, and his recent implementation of temporary limits on tweet visibility, has caused controversy and discontent among users.
Numerous tech companies have sought to capitalize on Twitter’s recent challenges, but Threads holds an advantage. It benefits from Meta’s substantial resources and the vast user base of Instagram, which boasts over two billion monthly active users worldwide.
Zuckerberg’s Threads vs. Musk’s Twitter: Elon Musk’s comments and perspective regarding Instagram Threads
In a previous post to his Threads account, Mr. Zuckerberg expressed his vision for a massive public conversations app, aiming to surpass Twitter’s reach of 1 billion+ users, which he believes the platform hasn’t fully achieved. Zuckerberg remained optimistic about Threads’ potential to fill this void.
“I think there should be a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people on it. Twitter has had the opportunity to do this but hasn’t nailed it. Hopefully, we will,” said Zuckerberg.
Threads saw remarkable success during its launch, amassing 10 million sign-ups within just seven hours, as reported by Zuckerberg.
However, Elon Musk wasn’t impressed with Threads. He claimed to have canceled his Instagram account and stated that he preferred candid interactions on Twitter, even if they sometimes involved negative encounters with strangers, rather than what he perceived as superficial content on Instagram.
“It is infinitely preferable to be attacked by strangers on Twitter than indulge in the false happiness of hide-the-pain Instagram,” Musk Tweeted.
Here’s all about Instagram Threads.
How Instagram Threads Work
At first glance, the Threads experience bears some resemblance to Twitter. Both platforms offer a feed of text-based posts that enable users to keep up with global events and initiate their own conversations.
Upon joining Threads, your feed will consist of accounts you follow, along with suggested content from creators that the Threads algorithm believes you may find interesting.
With the capacity for up to 500 characters per thread and the ability to include photos, videos, and links, Threads is an excellent tool for communication within your network and beyond. The name “Threads” may ring a bell because Instagram had previously launched a product called Threads in 2019, marketed as a “camera-first messaging app that helps you stay connected to your close friends.” However, the 2023 version of Threads completely replaces this previous product.
When you post on Threads, your followers can see your content in their feed and on your profile, depending on your profile’s privacy settings. Others can engage with your posts by replying to initiate discussions, as well as liking, sharing, quoting, or reposting your content. Anyone with an Instagram account has the capability to create a Threads profile.
If you find yourself puzzled by the distinctions between Threads, threads, posts, and replies, Instagram has thoughtfully provided a helpful cheat sheet to clarify these terms.
Threads vs. Twitter: What are the similarities and differences
Threads share several similarities with Twitter, making them appear almost identical in many aspects. Both platforms allow users to post text-based messages on a scrolling feed, enabling interaction through replies from followers and the accounts they follow.
Additionally, both platforms support photo and video posting.
However, Threads also differs from Twitter in certain aspects. Notably, it currently lacks direct messaging functionality, a feature that Twitter offers. Instagram has acknowledged the potential for future changes and improvements to Threads based on user feedback. If new users express the need for additional features, Instagram may consider implementing them to enhance the app’s capabilities.
Will Instagram Threads work with other apps?
Instagram has a long-term vision for Threads to integrate with various apps within the Fediverse, a term referring to a federated universe of services that share communication protocols. This aims to enable seamless operations between Threads and other platforms, a concept that already exists in apps like Mastodon, another social network.
Instagram seeks to create an environment where Threads can function effortlessly with other compatible platforms. This approach is likely to be attractive to creators and influencers because it would eliminate the need to start from scratch on each app.
Imagine a scenario where a creator builds up a substantial following on Threads. In this case, they could potentially take those followers along to other platforms that also employ the same underlying technology. This integration could significantly reduce the risk for creators and liberate them from feeling tied to just one platform.
Reasons Instagram Threads might be the end of Twitter
There are three key reasons Instagram Threads could potentially put an end to Twitter.
1. Predictable user experience
Threads offer a more predictable user experience compared to the chaotic and constantly changing nature of Twitter. While Threads may have its own privacy concerns, it’s transparent about its ad-based model, making it clear what users can expect.
2. Scale Advantage
Threads benefit from Instagram’s massive user base, piggybacking on its social graph of over two billion monthly active users. This gives Threads a significant scale advantage over Twitter’s competitors since onboarding is seamless and attracts more users.
3. Advertiser-friendly: Instagram Threads’ appeal to brands
Instagram’s strong relationship with brands and advertisers positions Threads as a more advertiser-friendly platform compared to Twitter, which still struggles with debt and retaining advertisers after Musk’s acquisition. With Meta’s expertise, Threads could potentially draw advertisers away from Twitter, putting it at a disadvantage in the competition.