Meta’s Threads app surprised users by launching a day ahead of schedule, providing a Twitter alternative for billions of frustrated individuals seeking an alternative to Elon Musk’s social media platform. Originally slated for release on July 6 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, the countdown clock was moved forward to July 5 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
Threads, resembling Twitter in appearance, allow users to post messages, reply to others, and engage through likes and reposts. It also enables Instagram users, owned by Meta, to follow the same accounts on Threads, potentially expanding their followers.
Mark Zuckerberg playfully pokes fun at Twitter after introducing his own rival app called “Threads.” In a surprising twist, he breaks an 11-year silence on Twitter with this amusing tweet.#Threads #Twitter pic.twitter.com/3daATxSa4o
— Blinkscoop (@Blinkscoop1) July 6, 2023
Meta’s founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, expressed his vision for Threads in an Instagram post after its release, stating, “Our aim is to take the best aspects of Instagram and create a new space for sharing thoughts, ideas, and discussions. I believe the world needs this type of supportive community, and I’m grateful to everyone who joined Threads from day one.”
Ahead of Threads’ launch, some users on social media speculated that it could be a “Twitter killer,” as frustrated Twitter users may transition to the new app due to recent changes implemented by CEO Elon Musk. Musk recently limited the number of tweets nonpaying users can view per day, and hate speech on Twitter has increased since Musk’s acquisition of the platform.
Mike Proulx, Vice President at tech research company Forrester, noted that Meta is capitalizing on the current frustrations with Twitter. He stated, “Meta is banking on a moment in time amidst peak Twitter frustration.”
So, what exactly is Instagram Threads? Proulx described it as “another copycat move” by Meta, as they have previously introduced services that mimic existing standalone tech tools, such as Slingshot and IGTV. Threads aim to provide a space where users can follow and directly connect with their favorite creators and like-minded individuals, reminiscent of Twitter but with a potential focus on Instagram’s popular creators and influencers.
Threads became available for download on Wednesday evening and are accessible through Apple’s App Store and the Google Play store.
While there are other Twitter alternatives, including Bluesky backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, many are still in testing phases or invite-only beta versions. Meta will face competition from other alternatives such as Mastodon, Post. News, and Hive, which may result in a fragmented user base seeking Twitter alternatives, according to Proulx.
