Meta’s Threads app, which shares a similar format with Twitter and is widely seen as Elon Musk’s most significant competition since the billionaire took over the social media platform, was launched Wednesday evening in a surprise announcement.
Key Takeaways
- Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Wednesday morning that Threads had already garnered 30 million signups, less than 24 hours after users of Meta-owned Instagram were able to start opening accounts.
- Those signups include massive names like Winfrey, Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Newsom, Brady, the Dalai Lama, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Gordon Ramsay, Michael Strahan and Ellen DeGeneres.
- To put that into perspective it took Facebook 852 days to reach 10 million users while Twitter reached that mark in 780 days.
- Unlike other Twitter rivals like Mastodon—which has a complex sign-up process—or Bluesky—which requires invites—Threads allows users to sign up for the app and populate their profile and follow lists using their Instagram account.
- Twitter CEO Elon Musk—who has recently been critical of Meta and Zuckerberg—reacted to Threads’ launch by implying that the app was nothing but a copy-paste of Twitter’s design.
- Twitter is apparently now threatening to sue Meta.
- Musk also tweeted that it was “infinitely preferable to be attacked by strangers on Twitter, than indulge in the false happiness of hide-the-pain Instagram.”
- The rollout of Threads has not been entirely glitch-free, however, as Zuckerberg’s timeline failed to load.
Instagram, the photo and video sharing behemoth from Meta, has set its sight on expanding its social network’s capabilities. Meet Instagram Threads – a new stand-alone app designed to create a more immersive and interactive space for sharing text updates and joining public discussions. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how it works.
So what is it?
Threads is a distinct app created by the Instagram team. While Instagram primarily connects users through photos and videos, Threads seeks to bring the same level of engagement to text updates. The app aims to offer a separate, inclusive space for real-time updates and public conversations. Users can share posts up to 500 characters long, with the ability to include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length.
How do I get started?
Starting with Threads is as simple as logging in with your Instagram account. Your Instagram username and verification will carry over, and you can customise your profile specifically for Threads. For users under 16 (or under 18 in certain countries), profiles will default to private when they join Threads. The same suite of accessibility features available on Instagram today are also enabled on Threads, including screen reader support and AI-generated image descriptions.
The Threads experience
The Threads feed includes posts by those you follow, alongside recommended content from new creators. Posts can be easily shared to your Instagram story or as a link on other platforms of your choice. Threads also offers several tools for moderating conversations, including controls on who can mention or reply to you within the app.
Is it compatible?
Threads is moving towards compatibility with ActivityPub, the open social networking protocol by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). This would make Threads interoperable with other apps supporting the ActivityPub protocol, like Mastodon and WordPress, creating new connection possibilities. If you have a public profile on Threads, your posts would be accessible from other apps, expanding your reach with no added effort.
Is Threads safe?
Safety remains a priority for Threads, with Instagram’s Community Guidelines enforced on content and interactions within the app. Since 2016, over $16 billion has been invested in protecting users across Instagram’s products, and these safety measures extend to Threads.
Where is it available?
Threads is now available in over 100 countries for iOS and Android. The team at Instagram plans to continue enhancing the app, including improved recommendations in the feed and a robust search function to keep users up-to-date with topics and trends in real time.
FAQ
Q: How does Instagram Threads work?
A: Threads is a separate app by Instagram designed for sharing text updates and public discussions. You can post updates up to 500 characters long, with the option to include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length.
Q: How do I get started with Instagram Threads?
A: Simply log in using your existing Instagram account. Your Instagram username and verification will carry over, and you can customise your profile specifically for Threads.
Q: What safety measures are in place on Instagram Threads?
A: Threads enforces Instagram’s Community Guidelines on content and interactions within the app. It includes tools for moderating conversations, and users can control who can mention or reply to them.
Q: How is Threads expanding its capabilities?
A: Threads plans to be compatible with ActivityPub, the open social networking protocol, to become interoperable with other apps supporting the protocol. This means posts on Threads would be accessible from other apps and vice versa.
