Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has launched a new app called Threads, which aims to compete with Twitter as a platform for sharing text updates and joining public conversations. The app, which is built by the Instagram team, has already attracted over 30 million signups in its first day of availability¹. But what is Threads and how does it differ from Twitter and other alternatives?
What is Threads?
Threads is a text-based social network that connects to your Instagram account. You can use your existing Instagram username and verification, or customize your profile for Threads. You can also choose to follow the same accounts you do on Instagram, or discover new ones based on your interests⁴.
Threads allows you to post messages, or threads, that are up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length. You can also like, reply, repost, or quote other users’ threads. You can control who can mention you or reply to you within Threads, and use hidden words to filter out unwanted replies. Threads also enforces Instagram’s Community Guidelines on content and interactions in the app⁴.
How does Threads compare to Twitter and other alternatives?
Threads is clearly inspired by Twitter, but it also has some notable differences. For one thing, Threads has a higher character limit than Twitter’s 280 characters, allowing for more nuanced and detailed posts. Threads also integrates with Instagram, making it easier for users to switch between the two apps and share content across platforms.
However, Threads also lacks some features that Twitter users may miss. For example, Threads does not have hashtags, trending topics, or verified badges (apart from those carried over from Instagram). Threads also does not support live audio or video rooms, unlike Twitter Spaces or Clubhouse. Additionally, Threads is not decentralized or interoperable with other social networks, unlike Mastodon or Bluesky⁵⁶.
Why should you care about Threads?
Threads is Meta’s latest attempt to challenge Twitter’s dominance in the text-based social media space. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been vocal about his vision for building open, interoperable social networks that can shape the future of the internet⁴. Threads is part of that vision, and Meta plans to make it compatible with other platforms in the future.
Threads also offers a new opportunity for creators and influencers to reach their audiences and monetize their content. Meta has announced that it will launch a Creator Fund for Threads later this year, which will reward users for creating engaging and original content on the app. Meta will also introduce tools for creators to sell products, subscriptions, and tickets on Threads⁴.
Threads is still in its early stages, and it remains to be seen how it will evolve and compete with Twitter and other rivals. However, it is clear that Meta is serious about making Threads a success, and that it has the resources and user base to do so. If you are interested in trying out Threads, you can download it from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store today.
References
¹: What is Threads? Here’s everything you need to know about Meta’s new app
²: Twitter threatens legal action against Meta over its new rival app Threads
³: Is Meta’s Threads app a Twitter-killer, or just more junk? Here’s why New Brunswickers should care
⁴: Introducing Threads: A New Way to Share With Text | Meta
⁵: How to use Meta’s Threads app and what’s missing – CNBC
⁶: How to download and get started with Meta’s Threads app – Android Authority
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