Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, recently introduced Threads, a new app that aims to rival Twitter. While Threads has not yet been launched in EU countries, it has already gained traction in India and attracted users who are dissatisfied with recent changes on Twitter. threads by Instagram
Instagram Threads By Meta
Similar to Twitter, Threads allows users to post messages of up to 500 characters. However, as an extension of Instagram, Threads offers additional features such as the ability to post links, photos, and 5-minute videos.
In just four hours after its launch, Threads garnered an impressive 5 million users. Zuckerberg emphasized the importance of fostering a friendly environment on this platform for it to succeed.
Despite these positive developments for Threads, Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter, expressed his skepticism. Musk stated that he believes it is better to face criticism from strangers on Twitter than succumb to superficial happiness and hide one’s pain on Instagram.
What is Threads in Instagram
Social Media Landscape
Ultimately, only time will tell how successful and impactful Threads will be in the social media landscape.
Zuckerberg was recently asked about the potential of Threads surpassing Twitter in popularity. He expressed his belief that while it may take some time, there is a need for an app where people can engage in conversations, especially considering the large number of individuals involved on similar platforms. Zuckerberg noted that Twitter had missed out on this opportunity and expressed hope that Facebook would succeed.
Currently, Threads is available for download in over 100 countries including Britain.
However, its launch in the European Union has been delayed due to regulatory reasons.
Version of Threads
It is important to note that this version of Threads is considered an early release by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. In future updates, they plan to introduce features seen on other social media apps like Mastodon, which facilitates communication between users.
Although Threads is a standalone app, users can log in with their Instagram credentials. They also have the option to maintain their Instagram username or customize their profile specifically for Threads.
Meta emphasizes that users can still use their Instagram account while utilizing Threads. This app allows individuals to maintain privacy on Instagram while being more public and engaged within the Threads community.
Meta, the company known for its controversial past, has released a new app that aims to address previous criticisms. Last year, whistleblower Frances Hugen accused Meta of prioritizing profit over security and criticized its moderation practices. Additionally, Meta faced allegations of sharing user data with third parties like Cambridge Analytica.
BlueSky and Mastodon
Despite existing alternatives like BlueSky and Mastodon, these platforms have struggled to gain users. However, Threads possesses a unique advantage as it is linked to Instagram, which already boasts millions of users.
So how does Threads actually work? Users can seamlessly share posts from Threads to Instagram and vice versa. This includes links, photos, and videos lasting up to five minutes. However, some initial challenges in uploading pictures were reported by users on Wednesday.
The app features a feed of posts from followed accounts as well as recommended content called “Meta Threads.” Users have control over who mentions them and can filter replies containing specific words. Blocking, banning or reporting individuals is also an option, and if a user blocks someone on Instagram, their account will be automatically blocked on Threads as well.
Similarities Between Threads and Twitter
While Meta emphasized its association with Instagram during discussions about the app, media coverage highlighted the similarities between Threads and Twitter. In fact, some investors have dubbed Threads the potential “Twitter killer.”
Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter, recently implemented a limitation on the number of daily posts users can see on the platform. This decision was made in response to concerns about data scraping.
Additionally, Twitter announced that it will be introducing paid subscriptions for its popular dashboard TweetDeck within the next 30 days. threads by Instagram
Since Musk took over ownership of Twitter, there have been public expressions of dissatisfaction from users regarding the management’s handling of political views and erratic behavior. Last month, Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, playfully agreed to a cage fight after Zuckerberg expressed his affinity for mixed martial arts. threads by Instagram
While threads will be available to users in the UK, they will not be accessible in European Union (EU) countries due to regulatory uncertainties surrounding the EU Digital Markets Act. However, there are discussions within the company about potentially launching threads in the European Union. threads by Instagram
The main issue at stake is how Meta can share data between platforms they own, particularly between threads and Instagram. The EU Digital Markets Act enforces specific regulations on data sharing practices for large companies like Meta. threads by Instagram
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