Meta launches ‘Twitter Killer’ Threads app
Mark Zuckerberg launched the Threads app, presenting a direct challenge to Twitter. Within a few hours of its release, the app attracted millions of users. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, along with notable politicians such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, joined the platform. This article explores my personal experience with the Threads app and provides insights into its features and potential impact on the social media landscape.
My Experience with Threads:
Everyone is asking “What is Thread app by Instagram?“. Hence, before writing this article, I decided to test the Threads app myself and here is my first-hand experience (some positives and a few drawbacks):
Positives of Threads App
The process of downloading and setting up the app was seamless, involving just six simple steps.
From signing up to exploring the app’s home feed page, the experience was smooth and enjoyable.
The Threads app’s logo features a design resembling a thread, and the Threads app’s wordmark is written in a style reminiscent of the Om symbol.
Below, you’ll find screenshots documenting my journey during the signup process.
Drawbacks of Threads App
I also noticed a few drawbacks of the Threads app.
During the onboarding process, the first step is to connect to your Instagram social graph. This raised questions for me, as Threads is positioned as a competitor to Twitter. Is targeting the Instagram audience the most relevant approach to building a network for a Twitter competitor?
Additionally, throughout the onboarding process, there was no clear explanation or justification for using Threads. As a content creator, if I’m already sharing content with the same audience, what benefits does Threads offer me?
Overall, it appears that the Threads app is rushed and lacks a polished finish. It seems to have been quickly released to take advantage of the uncertainties and fluctuations surrounding Twitter. However, it falls short of being a true “Twitter killer.”
Threads App Features:
Threads app by Instagram allows users to create short text posts, like, repost, and reply to others’ posts. Although it lacks a direct messaging feature, users can express themselves through posts of up to 500 characters.
Additionally, the app supports sharing links, photos, and videos up to five minutes long. Available on both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store, Threads is accessible in over 100 countries.
Celebrity and Politician Involvement:
The Threads app has already attracted high-profile figures from the entertainment and political realms.
Notable personalities like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have joined the platform.
Their presence contributes to the app’s growing popularity and sets the stage for a potential shift in the social media landscape.
Threads vs. Twitter:
Analysts speculate that Threads, leveraging its integration with Instagram, could divert users and advertisers away from Twitter.
Users can log in to Threads using their Instagram credentials and follow the same accounts they do on Instagram. This seamless integration makes it an attractive addition for Instagram’s already massive user base.
While some investors see Threads as a potential “Twitter-Killer,” others hope it will foster a healthier and less toxic online environment compared to Twitter.
Privacy and Brand Integration:
Threads prioritizes user privacy by offering different privacy settings for each app and providing the option to hide the Threads badge on Instagram profiles.
Prominent brands such as Billboard, HBO, NPR, and Netflix swiftly joined the app. Notably, the app currently lacks advertisements, as observed during a review.
Influencer Marketing and Competition:
Meta actively engages with social media influencers to promote Threads, encouraging them to post on the app at least twice a day.
While other platforms have attempted to challenge Twitter’s dominance, they have yet to gain significant traction.
Meta’s previous standalone app ventures, like Lasso, encountered difficulties. However, Zuckerberg remains optimistic about Threads’ potential as a worthy competitor.
Conclusion:
Based on my first-hand experience, the Threads app exhibits promising features and has witnessed rapid user growth since its launch but also have a significant numbers of questions left to be answered. With its integration with Instagram and the support of influential personalities, Threads has the potential to disrupt the social media landscape and present a viable alternative to Twitter. As the app gains momentum, it will be interesting to see how it shapes online conversations and user engagement in the coming months.
That is quick view of What is Thread app by Instagram? Soon, I will explore and share how Threads App by Instagram can help D2C and commerce companies.
Have you tried the app yourself already and what’s your experience?