In the midst of a wave of backlash against Elon Musk’s Twitter, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is preparing to launch Threads, its answer to the popular social media platform. The Threads app, which appeared in the Apple app store on Tuesday, is scheduled for release on Thursday. Meta has built anticipation for the launch with a countdown website.
Threads is described as a “text-based conversation” app where users can engage in discussions about various topics. The promotional material emphasizes the ability to follow and connect with favorite creators and like-minded individuals, as well as the opportunity to build a personal following. Screenshots of the app reveal similarities to Twitter’s user interface, including features like reposting, liking, and the ability to restrict replies.
Meta’s entry into the market comes at a time when users are actively seeking alternatives to Twitter. Platforms such as BlueSky and Mastodon have gained traction as discontent grows among Twitter’s estimated 250 million users. The platform’s recent changes, including restricted viewing access and limitations on unverified accounts, have spurred frustration among the user base.
Twitter’s moderation decisions, including the controversial lifting of bans on far-right accounts, have also caused advertisers to reconsider their investments. The platform’s instability and Musk’s involvement have further contributed to the growing disillusionment.
Meta’s Chief Product Officer, Chris Cox, acknowledged the demand for a more stable alternative during a company-wide meeting. He stated that creators and public figures are seeking a platform that is “sanely run.” However, potential users may have concerns about privacy, as Meta’s Threads app collects a wide range of personal data, including health information, financial details, and browsing history.
As the launch of Threads approaches, the competition among platforms vying to replace Twitter intensifies. Meta aims to capture a significant share of the market, but the ultimate success of Threads remains to be seen.
