Threads: everything we know so far about the new Twitter competitor by Meta

Get ready for a social media showdown like, maybe, never seen before, as Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Platforms unveils its microblogging app, Threads! With Twitter under fire and facing a barrage of controversies, Threads likely sounds more like ‘Threats’ for a certain Mr Elon Musk, and, given the timing, emerges as a formidable challenger to a platform that for years has been a staple for millions.

We may still be ‘treated’ to the visual spectacle of Musk battling against rival Zuckerberg in an octagon (yes, really!) but in the meantime our focus is on how the features and, potentially more importantly, the management of the new offering could revolutionise how we connect and share our thoughts online.

Note that it is not related to Slack’s version!

Let’s take a look at what we know...

What is Threads and how does it compare to Twitter?

Meta Platforms’ Threads app is set to rival Twitter in the social media landscape. Following recent controversies surrounding Twitter, including Musk’s introduction of restrictions on tweet viewing, Threads aims to provide users with an alternative platform for sharing their thoughts and engaging with others. While Twitter has long been the go-to microblogging site, Threads intends to offer unique features and capitalise on the existing user base of Instagram, another platform owned by Meta Platforms.

By retaining Instagram followers and allowing users to keep their same usernames, Threads seeks to attract a substantial user base right from the start. Here’s what the description says.

“Say more with Threads – Instagram’s text-based conversation app. Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow.

“Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite 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.”

When will Threads be available?

Threads is scheduled to be released on Thursday 6 July 2023 and online noise is growing with users eager to explore this new platform will soon have the opportunity to experience its features and interface. As the official launch date draws ever nearer, social media users are considering whether to embrace it from Day 1.

How can I access Threads?

To access Threads, interested users can download the app from their relevant App Store. The listing for Threads has already appeared on Apple’s, providing a glimpse into what users can expect from this Twitter competitor. Nothing showing at the time of writing on Android’s Google Play, but expect this to change.

The process of setting up an account on Threads will involve linking an existing Instagram account to seamlessly retain followers and maintain consistency with usernames. As the launch date approaches, further details and instructions on accessing Threads are expected to be made available. New accounts can obviously also be set up for those that don’t already have Insta.

How could the launch of Threads affect Twitter?

The imminent launch of Threads poses a significant challenge to Twitter’s dominance in the microblogging realm. Under Elon Musk’s ownership, Twitter has faced various controversies and criticism. Musk’s recent decision to limit the number of tweets users can view per day has sparked discontent among the platform’s users. With the introduction of Threads, via the already popular Instagram could result in a considerable shift of user engagement and attention away from Twitter, potentially affecting its user base, revenue streams, and overall market position.

As Meta Platforms prepares to release Threads, the battle for microblogging supremacy is intensifying. With both Twitter and Threads vying for user attention and engagement, the social media landscape is poised for a dynamic shift. Industry observers and users alike eagerly await the impact of Threads and its potential to reshape the microblogging space. No doubt the rush to subscribe and test it out on the first few days will be huge!