Threads: Twitter Killer or Fleeting Success?

by Angus Fraser · September 27, 2023

“I think there should be a public conversation app with 1 billion+ people on it. Twitter has had the opportunity to do this but hasn’t nailed it. Hopefully, we will.” – Mark Zuckerberg

Threads, the latest sensation from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is making waves in the social media world. With a staggering 100 million sign-ups within a week of its launch, Threads has become a major contender for Twitter’s throne.

This new platform offers real-time text-based conversations, complete with photos and videos, all within a character limit of 500. It combines elements from Twitter and Instagram, providing a visually appealing interface and seamless sharing to Instagram Stories. Users have the option to choose between public and private accounts, with automatic verification for existing Instagram users.

Threads has a vast global reach, available in over 100 countries and supporting over 30 languages on iOS and Android platforms. The ease of onboarding, using existing Instagram credentials, makes it an attractive option for users looking to switch.

Despite its potential, Threads faces some challenges. Concerns about data collection have been raised, as the app may gather personal information like location and contacts. Maintaining a healthy environment on the platform is another hurdle, as Meta must address issues like spam, harassment, conspiracy theories, and false claims.

As of this writing, Threads currently lacks several features, including emoji usage, hashtags in posts, a Trending page, a chronological feed, the ability to see who you’re following, account deletion without affecting Instagram, DMs, the Fediverse feature, a desktop website, and text/phrase search. As the platform evolves, it’s likely these missing features will be implemented to improve user experience.

However, Meta’s advantage lies in its massive user base of over 2 billion active Instagram users. With an existing pool to tap into, Threads has a head start over Twitter’s relatively smaller user base of around 250 million.

Looking ahead, Threads plans to introduce features like hashtags, improved search functionality, personalized feeds, and the possibility of direct messaging. Meta aims to transform Threads into a comprehensive social app that caters to its growing user base while exploring advertising opportunities to supplement their core revenue.

Threads is currently a serious competitor to Twitter, leveraging Meta’s resources and infrastructure. Its smooth onboarding experience and existing user base make it a strong alternative. As Meta continues to enhance the platform and address user concerns, Threads could become the game-changer many have been waiting for in the social media landscape.

Some of the More Interesting Threads’ Features

Auto-status and location sharing based on activity.
Available for iOS and Android users.
Camera-centric design for quick sharing.
Customizable notifications for a better user experience.
Disappearing ink for texts and photos.
Encourages deeper connections with close friends.
Facilitates automatic message deletion for ephemeral conversations.
For ages 12 and above, NSFW content prohibited.
Instant photo and video sharing with creative tools.
Multiple Threads accounts can be used with Instagram login.
Private, seamless communication with close friends.
Promotes privacy, simplicity, and meaningful interactions.
Robust privacy and security measures.
Share status updates with inner circle only.
Verification process for multiple accounts.

Threads is characterized by Meta as a fresh and distinct arena designed for instant updates and public discussions. The goal is to incorporate the finest elements of Instagram while extending its scope to encompass text-based content, thereby cultivating a constructive and imaginative atmosphere for expressing ideas.

Furthermore, Threads is said to draw inspiration from Twitter’s competitors like Mastodon, a decentralized platform that empowers users to seamlessly transfer their accounts to alternative services.