Move aside Mastodon, Mark Zuckerburg claims to have the true rival to Twitter.
There seems to be one after another these days, vying for the hole that Twitter seems to slowly leave behind, from paid verification, to now limiting non-verified users to just being able to view 600 posts a day (compared to the 6,000 that Twitter Blue users can) – the drama over at Twitter HQ just never seems to end. (Thanks Elon-)
But what is this new platform called, and what is it all about?
Thankfully, Gwe Cambrian Web are here to shine some light on the subject.
Say hello to Threads!
“Threads, an Instagram App,” which launches this week, is set to be the true rival to Twitter from no less than Meta, surely seeking to move on in and take out their competition. (All that’s left is TikTok it seems.) At a glance, it seems to have a likeness to Twitter, with screenshots showing it with similar features including liking, commenting, reposting, and sharing a ‘thread’, as opposed to a ‘tweet’.
Advertised as a “text-based conversation app”, that lets you “say more”, it’s listed as suitable for those 12+.
“Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow,” according to the App’s description.
“Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favourite creators and others who love the same things – or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions and creativity with the world.”
But here’s the ‘funnest’ fact of all about this new rival to Twitter. It was originally intended as a rival to Snapchat, introduced by Meta as a “camera-first messaging app.” Sounds pretty similar right? It seems, due to the recent upheaval at Twitter, Zuckerburg has opted for a rival to Twitter instead as the more profitable route. Very convenient timing with the newly introduced limit on post viewing.
How to Use it!
If, like me, you’re quite tired of jumping from platform to platform these days in a bid to try and find the “platform of the week”, you’ll be pleased to know that previews of the app suggest that you’ll be able to use your Instagram log in. A great way to join, and also a great insight on Meta’s part in wanting to get their 2billion+ users on there. Effort-free.
You should also be able to easily find and follow the same accounts you do on Instagram, and start connecting over conversations, or ‘threads!’
When is it launching?
Well, it’s actually launching tomorrow! On Thursday 6th July, so you don’t have long to be able to try out Threads for yourself. If you’re keen to jump on as soon as possible, you can pre-order it now, for it to download automatically onto your device when it becomes available and send you a notification.
The app is free for now, though there may end up being more premium services or purchases within it that will cost you. After all, don’t forget that Meta too now has paid verification of its own.
Can it beat Twitter?
Of course, Mastodon and BlueSky didn’t quite catch on. It wasn’t quite Twitter enough to beat it, and when not enough users make the move, it can make your Toots appear to go unnoticed.
However, chances are, more of your favourite people on Twitter are on Instagram too, and other than the sheer number of users Instagram has (about two billion by the way), the greatest feather in its cap is just who those users are.
Threads could easily draw upon Instagram’s huge line-up of celebrities, athletes, politicians, sports clubs, news outlets and brands to give it an immediate leg-up on other Twitter copycats. There’s no doubt Meta’s new platform has been built with a mainstream audience in mind, and it could be the one that finally knocks Twitter off of its seemingly dwindling pedestal.
