Meta’s highly anticipated Threads app made an unexpected debut, offering frustrated users an alternative to Twitter. The release of Threads, which shares similarities with Twitter, was moved up to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on July 5, instead of the initially planned 10 a.m. Eastern Time on July 6. The app allows users to post messages, engage with other users, and follow accounts from Meta-owned Instagram, potentially helping them gain more followers.
Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Meta, expressed his vision for Threads in an Instagram post, stating, “Our vision is to take the best parts of Instagram and create a new experience for text, ideas, and discussing what’s on your mind.” He believes that the world needs a friendly community like Threads and expressed gratitude to the early adopters of the app.
Threads’ release generated buzz on social media, with some referring to it as a potential “Twitter killer.” The frustration with recent changes implemented by Elon Musk, Twitter’s CEO, including limiting the number of tweets nonpaying users can view per day, has fueled the anticipation for Threads. Additionally, Twitter has experienced a surge in hate speech since Musk acquired the platform last year.
According to Mike Proulx, Vice President at tech research company Forrester, Meta is capitalizing on the current peak of Twitter frustration. Proulx described Threads as another example of Meta introducing services that imitate existing standalone tech tools. Notable examples include Slingshot, an instant-messaging app, and IGTV, a video service from Instagram. Threads aims to provide a platform for users to connect directly with their favorite creators and like-minded individuals, potentially giving more emphasis to influencers and creators popular on Instagram.
While Threads enters the scene as a potential Twitter alternative, other alternatives have emerged. Bluesky, backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, is currently in the testing phase and remains invite-only. However, gaining access to the invite-only beta can be challenging. Additionally, Mastodon, Post.News, and Hive are among the numerous Twitter alternatives that Meta will have to contend with. Proulx notes that the introduction of Threads may further divide the user base seeking alternatives to Twitter.
As Meta enters the realm of social media alternatives with Threads, it aims to provide users with a fresh and engaging platform, capitalizing on the frustrations faced by some Twitter users. The battle for dominance in the social media landscape intensifies as users explore new options, seeking a more fulfilling online experience.
