Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is set to launch a new app called ‘Threads’ on July 6.
The launch coincides with the growing backlash against Twitter, fuelled by Elon Musk’s ownership of the platform. Threads, which is connected to Instagram, has recently appeared in the Apple app store ahead of its official release date. The app aims to provide a platform for text-based conversations and community discussions on various topics. Users will be able to log in using their Instagram handles and follow their existing contacts.
The app’s interface appears to bear some similarities to Twitter, including features like reposting, liking, and the ability to control who can reply to posts.
Threads is certainly not Meta’s first attempt at competing with popular social media apps. Originally launched in 2019 to rival Snapchat, the product was later mothballed but the branding was retained. While Meta has not yet commented on the upcoming launch, the company has apparently created a countdown website for the release.
- image courtesy of apple
The introduction of Threads comes at a time when users are actively seeking alternatives to Twitter. Recent changes to Twitter’s platform, such as requiring users to log in to view the site and imposing limits on unverified accounts, have led to growing dissatisfaction among its estimated 250 million users.
Advertisers have also expressed concerns about Twitter’s moderation decisions and increasing instability, leading to reduced spending on the platform.
Several platforms, including BlueSky and Mastodon, are working hard at looking to replace Twitter since Musk’s takeover of the site. Meta’s chief product officer, Chris Cox, acknowledged the demand for a Twitter alternative among creators and public figures who seek a more well-managed platform.
However, privacy concerns may deter users from adopting Meta’s Threads app. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, currently working on the BlueSky project, tweeted a screenshot of Threads’ privacy information, suggesting potential data collection including health, financial information, browsing history, and more.
Rosie Snooke, Digital Marketing & Outreach Executive at Spike commented;
“Social media platforms are constantly developing new features to compete with each other’s niches, so at this point it is difficult to predict what the launch of Threads will mean for Instagram.
Instagram’s niche has always been its visual element, acting as a virtual photo album and a way to stay informed about the lives of friends, family and influencers. Alternatively, Twitter has increasingly been used as a way to stay engaged in current news and discussions.
Threads has the potential to bridge this gap between sharing images and thoughts, expanding into a new, more socially conscious space that means users can stay engaged in current affairs as well as the lives of their loved ones. Therefore, Threads holds the promise of acting as a supplementary platform that can appeal to a wider demographic and adapt to changing user preferences.”
Why does this matter?
Meta is racing to launch Threads, an app linked to Instagram, as a viable alternative to Twitter amid wide user backlash against Elon Musk’s ownership of the platform. Threads aim is to provide a space for text-based conversations and community discussions. The app’s interface resembles Twitter’s, and users can log in using their Instagram handles.
This launch comes as users increasingly seek alternative platforms due to recent changes and concerns about Twitter’s moderation and instability. However, privacy concerns related to data collection may raise hesitations among potential users.
Author spike.digital