Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, is preparing to launch a new microblogging app called Threads, which aims to rival Twitter. The announcement comes just days after Twitter CEO Elon Musk faced criticism for imposing temporary limits on the number of posts users can read on the platform. With Threads, users will be able to maintain their Instagram followers and usernames, according to a listing on Apple’s App Store.
Threads: A Direct Challenge to Twitter:
Threads is expected to be released on Thursday, marking a significant challenge to Twitter’s dominance in the microblogging sphere. Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform for $44 billion in 2022, Twitter has faced numerous controversies. Musk recently introduced restrictions on tweet viewing, triggering widespread outcry from the platform’s users. While alternative microblogging sites such as Mastodon and Blue Sky have experienced increased user numbers following Musk’s acquisition, none have been able to compete with Twitter effectively.
Leveraging Instagram’s User Base:
Instagram, a photo-sharing platform owned by Meta Platforms, boasts hundreds of millions of registered users. With the launch of Threads, Meta aims to leverage Instagram’s established user base to gain an edge over Twitter. Users will be able to retain their followers from Instagram and keep the same username, making the transition to Threads more seamless.
Taking Cues from Success Stories:
Instagram has a track record of introducing successful features inspired by other social media platforms. In 2016, the platform introduced “stories,” responding to the growing popularity of Snapchat’s disappearing user posts. More recently, Instagram’s short-form video feature called “Reels” aimed to rival the rise of TikTok. With this history of successful feature integration, Threads has the potential to capture the attention of users seeking alternatives to Twitter.
Read More: Twitter Upgrades TweetDeck, Implements 30-Day Verification Requirement
Elon Musk’s Controversial Impact on Twitter:
Since Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, his attempts to reshape the platform in his own image have drawn severe criticism. The Tesla billionaire initiated significant staff layoffs, reducing the workforce by approximately 80%. Additionally, he reinstated banned accounts, including those of former U.S. President Donald Trump and the conservative satirical news site Babylon Bee. These decisions, coupled with concerns over harmful content, led hundreds of advertisers to pause their spending on Twitter. Internal documents viewed by Reuters indicated a decline in engagement among the platform’s most active users.
Response from Meta and Twitter:
Meta Platforms has yet to respond to Reuters’ request for comment regarding the possibility of launching Threads on the Google Play Store. Reuters also reached out to Twitter for comment on the impending competition from Threads.
As Meta Platforms prepares to launch Threads, a microblogging app integrated with Instagram, Twitter faces a formidable challenger in its dominant position. With its existing user base and a history of successfully adopting features from rival platforms, Instagram may provide a solid foundation for Threads to gain traction. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s controversial decisions as Twitter CEO continue to attract criticism and impact user engagement on the platform. It remains to be seen how both Meta and Twitter will respond to the upcoming competition and the evolving landscape of microblogging.
