Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is set to release a new social media app called Threads on Thursday. Described as “Instagram’s text-based conversation app,” Threads will resemble Twitter in appearance, featuring messages with replies from other users. Pre-orders for the app are already available on Apple’s App Store, with the official release scheduled for July 6. The app’s interface allows Instagram users to easily follow the same accounts on Threads, potentially facilitating the rapid growth of follower bases.
Threads’ arrival comes at a crucial time for Twitter, as recent changes implemented by owner Elon Musk have resulted in the alienation of some users and the departure of advertisers. Musk’s decision to limit the usage of non-paying members, restricting free accounts to reading 600 tweets per day, sparked significant backlash. In contrast, Threads aims to provide a fresh alternative, allowing users to follow and directly connect with their favorite creators and like-minded individuals. With its resemblance to Twitter’s interface, the new app could potentially attract users seeking a different social media experience.
The launch of Threads could pose a challenge to Twitter, as some users have expressed enthusiasm for Meta’s new product on social media. Given the recent issues plaguing Musk’s company, such as a surge in hate speech and poor protection for LGBTQ+ users, Threads’ free service without these concerns may entice consumers away from Twitter. Furthermore, Twitter’s recent policy change requiring verification for the use of TweetDeck, a popular dashboard for managing multiple accounts, is seen by some as an attempt to generate additional revenue under Musk’s leadership. The rivalry between Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg may further intensify, with the two tech billionaires seemingly open to a “cage match” against each other, adding a real-life dimension to their competition.
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