Threads, a new app developed by Meta, surprised users by making its debut a day earlier than anticipated. The release of Threads comes as frustration mounts among billions of Twitter users with the social media service owned by Elon Musk.
Originally scheduled for launch at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on July 6, Meta made the decision on Wednesday to move the countdown clock forward to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on July 5.
Similar in appearance to Twitter, Threads allows users to post messages, engage with other users through replies, and express their appreciation for posts with likes or reposts. Additionally, Threads enables users of Meta-owned Instagram to follow the same accounts, potentially aiding individuals in growing their follower base.
Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Meta, expressed his vision for Threads in an Instagram post following its release, stating, “Our vision is to take the best parts of Instagram and create a new experience for text, ideas, and discussing what’s on your mind. I believe the world needs this type of welcoming community, and I’m grateful to all those who are part of Threads from its inception.” Anticipation surrounding the release of Threads led some social media users to refer to it as a “Twitter killer,” as they expect some Twitter users to switch to the new app due to dissatisfaction with recent changes implemented by CEO Elon Musk. Musk recently imposed restrictions on the number of tweets nonpaying users can view per day, and Twitter has experienced an increase in hate speech since Musk acquired the platform last year.
Mike Proulx, Vice President at tech research company Forrester, commented on Meta’s strategy, saying, “Meta is capitalizing on the current peak of frustration among Twitter users.” Proulx highlighted the timing as crucial for Meta’s success.
Let’s explore more about Instagram Threads. Described by Proulx as “another copycat move” by Meta, Threads positions itself as an Instagram app and aims to connect users directly with their favorite creators and others who share common interests. It resembles Twitter, but with a potential emphasis on the influencers and creators who are popular on Instagram.
Threads became available on Wednesday evening and can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store or the Google Play store.
Are there other alternatives to Twitter? Indeed, several alternatives exist, with Bluesky gaining significant attention. The service, backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, is currently in its testing phase and not fully accessible to the public, as entry to the invite-only beta is limited.
Meta will face competition from various Twitter alternatives, including Mastodon, Post.News, and Hive, as Proulx pointed out. Proulx noted that Threads may further fragment the user base seeking alternatives to Twitter.
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