Instagram Threads App: a New Player in the Social Media Landscape

By Rani Dhiman Last updated Jul 8, 2023

On July 6, Meta Company, formerly known as Facebook, made a splash with the release of Threads, an app for Instagram designed to compete with Twitter. The simultaneous launch occurred in 100 countries, with the app available on both the Google and Apple Play Stores. Notably, Threads is also compatible with desktop devices, adding to its accessibility.

So, what features do Threads bring to the table? The app extends the functionality of Instagram by allowing users to share photos and videos, links, and text, setting it apart from the traditional Instagram experience.

Text-based content takes center stage in Threads, allowing users to create posts with up to 500 characters. Users can seamlessly start a thread and continue their thoughts for

extended discussions. Additionally, Threads supports sharing five-minute videos and allows users to transfer up to 10 photos at once, providing ample room for creativity.

The app offers two methods for login. Users can download Threads directly from the Play Store or click on the Threads link within Instagram, which redirects them to the Play Store. Once downloaded, the app instantly imports the user’s Instagram profile, eliminating the need to search for Instagram friends on Threads.

Users can determine who can reply to their posts and mention them in threads when using Threads. The app also allows hiding specific words, automatically deleting any comments containing those terms. As Threads is closely linked to Instagram, blocking users on Instagram will also stop them on Threads. Users with private Instagram accounts can publicize their Threads account if desired, although it is unnecessary.

Creating a profile on Threads is a simple process. All Instagram accounts now have access to Threads, thanks to Instagram settings. After downloading the app and logging in, users can set up their profile by writing a bio, adding a link, and optionally importing Instagram data.

The process offers the option to skip any fields users don’t wish to fill. Once the profile is set up, users can choose to make it public or private. Instagram followers will be prompted to join Threads, and users can choose to follow them or skip the step.

The home screen of Threads features sections for Search, Starting a Thread, Activity, and Profile. Users can search for any user, initiate a new thread, view their activity history, and access their profile. With Twitter-like threading capabilities, Threads aims to provide a similar experience to its users. The Activity section lists followers, replies, and mentions, ensuring users can stay updated on their interactions.

The launch of Threads is Meta’s response to the popularity of Twitter, mainly as Twitter implemented paid features, leading to the departure of many users. Instagram aims to attract these users by offering an alternative short-form app with standard features.

One key difference between Twitter and Threads is that Threads lacks real-time and category-specific trends. Additionally, while Twitter allows users to modify tweets with blue ticks, Threads does not offer this functionality. Hashtags on Threads are not clickable, unlike on Twitter, where they suggest topics and enable easy navigation.

Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is committed to continually improving Threads. With ongoing development, significant changes are expected for the app. Threads allow users to join a new community and immediately engage in real-time public conversations.

Threads garnered massive early success, with over two million downloads within two hours of its launch. By Wednesday night, the app had reached 10 million downloads; by Thursday morning, that number had soared to over 30 million.

Post by @zuck
View on Threads

This remarkable achievement made Threads the fastest-downloaded app, surpassing even the popular chatbot ChatGPT, which boasted one million downloads in five days. Similarweb predicts that Threads will reach 100 million users within two months, a feat previously achieved only by ChatGPT.

Prominent figures like Ellen DeGeneres, Bill Gates, Shakira, and Oprah Winfrey quickly joined Threads, receiving warm welcomes from users eagerly anticipating their posts. The app experienced some reliability issues due to the overwhelming user demand.

Mark Zuckerberg expressed his enthusiasm for Threads’ successful launch, describing it as the “best possible start.” He also shared his belief that this is just the beginning of something special.

The initial momentum behind Threads highlights the public’s desire for an alternative to Twitter, which has dominated online public discourse for 17 years. Recent changes, content management issues on Twitter, and additional outages and glitches have disillusioned many veteran users. This presents an opportunity for Threads to offer a fresh and engaging social media experience.

However, tensions have emerged between Meta and Twitter. Twitter’s lawyers threatened legal action against Meta, accusing it of stealing trade secrets from former employees to develop Threads. Twitter requested that Meta preserve internal records related to the dispute.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and a prominent figure in the tech industry, voiced his disapproval of Mark Zuckerberg’s actions, referring to Meta’s program as “cheating” and stating, “Competition is fine, cheating is not.”

Competition is fine, cheating is not
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 6, 2023

Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter, also criticized Zuckerberg’s endeavor, lamenting the lack of innovation and calling out the proliferation of Twitter clones.

“We wanted flying cars, instead we got 7 Twitter clones.” https://t.co/MavyysZCcP
— jack (@jack) July 6, 2023

Despite these challenges, Threads represents a significant milestone for Meta, as the company seeks to address concerns about spreading misinformation and improve its online presence. The release of Threads was a surprise move from Meta, and employees celebrated the launch with inside jokes and memes, indicating positive morale within the company.

It is worth noting that early success does not guarantee sustained growth, and Twitter still boasts 237 million daily users. Meta faces data privacy risks, and some users have raised concerns about potential account deletion issues. However, Threads’ content control measures have garnered praise from users seeking a more curated experience.

Threads present an opportunity for individuals like Kate Stone, a North Carolina lawyer who abandoned her inactive Twitter account due to changes implemented by Elon Musk. Stone sees Threads as a platform that allows her to join internet conversations and appreciates the ease of use for Instagram account holders.

While the journey ahead may be challenging, Threads has made an impactful entrance into the social media landscape. With Meta’s commitment to improvement and the early adoption by millions of users, Threads has the potential to carve out its place as a viable alternative to Twitter.

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