The social media landscape was shaken with the surprise launch of Threads, a new micro-blogging app from Meta. Billed as a "separate space" for users to have "real-time conversations" beyond likes and comments, Threads arrived at a pivotal moment with Twitter mired in controversies under Elon Musk’s ownership.
With its seamless Instagram integration, the Threads app amassed more than 30 million users within its first day, according to Mark Zuckerberg. But is this latest addition to the Meta ecosystem a true Twitter rival, or just another flash in the social media pan?
We spent the past few weeks poking around Threads to get a feel for the platform and now we’re sharing our first impressions.
If you're eager to get started on Threads, here's what you need to know.
First, you can conveniently download the app from both Apple's iOS and Google Play stores. Registering on Threads is a swift process as it effortlessly allows you to use your existing Instagram login details. Once you're authenticated, you can seamlessly transfer your username, profile photo, bio, and follower list from Instagram to Threads. This easy setup and inherent familiarity play a significant role in Threads’ rapidly building user base of over 116M.
As for our first impressions when you open Threads, you'll find the app to have a familiar feel, yet it comes across as considerably decluttered compared to Instagram's dense interface. The minimalist design is a clear indication that text is the priority, although multimedia posts are still welcome. The app's layout is surprisingly intuitive, with easy-to-navigate tabs at the bottom and a fuss-free profile setup process, making your introduction to Threads engaging and simple.
Threads makes posting a user-friendly experience through smart multimedia integration and engaging ways to interact.
While likenesses exist between Threads and Twitter due to their microblogging nature, key variations in features and functionality establish a unique identity for each.
During the launch of Threads, Meta stressed the new app's goals of being interoperable with other social platforms by supporting open protocols. This could allow cross-communication between accounts on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Mastodon, and others.
Mark Zuckerberg said a core vision for Threads is enabling an "interconnected social media experience across apps." Instagram head Adam Mosseri called Threads a "modern, open social networking protocol."
If achieved, this interoperability would be a major advancement for social media. It could introduce fun new ways for users on different platforms to engage with each other seamlessly.
However, Meta's wording is careful to say Threads is working toward these technical integrations, which are not fully implemented yet in the app's initial version so this cross-platform goal is something to keep an eye on.
Threads has instantly clicked with its audience with its fresh, user-friendly appeal. Its uncomplicated and visually stimulating interface is gaining favor over traditional microblogging platforms, and its enjoyable vibe is refreshing to the social media scene. The deep tie-in with Instagram also adds to its appeal, drawing in users who weren’t typically engaged with brief, message-focused platforms like Twitter.
Threads has broken onto the social media landscape, creating a buzz among influencers and brands alike. Some people believe that virtually every influencer will join Threads just in case it takes off.
Despite the rush, it seems not everyone was ready to dive in just yet as some of Instagram's highest-profile influencers had no presence on Threads one day post-launch, including Kendall and Kylie Jenner.
Even Instagram head Adam Mosseri expressed his uncertainty over user retention, admitting in an Axios interview that he wasn't sure about how many users will continue on Threads in the long run and it still remains to be seen if people are willing to delete their Instagram accounts just to delete Threads.
Despite these doubts, brands have already commenced their journey on Threads. According to Glossy, several big brands have been on board right from the launch.
While some of Instagram's major influencers are missing, others are embracing Threads, including names like Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Cuban, Shakira, and Seth Curry. Influencers such as MKBHD, Philip DeFranco, Michael Le, and Alan Chikin Chow, along with corporations like Netflix have also begun using this nascent platform.
However, acceptance varies widely among these big names. Some endorse Threads wholeheartedly, deeming it a refreshing platform for community building. In contrast, others voiced apprehension over issues surrounding data privacy, access permissions, and potential biases in algorithmic content curation. It seems that while Threads has sparked interest, it’s poised to unfold with fascinating and diverse perspectives that'll shape its evolution.
While popular social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram enjoy wide user bases, Threads aims to attract certain audiences who find its unique blend of features appealing which includes:
During the announcement, Meta emphasized Threads will include core accessibility features. This includes alt text generation for images, screen reader support, options to increase text size, AI-generated image descriptions, and more.
An early commitment to accessibility reflects Meta's efforts across its family of apps, which is an important area where Twitter has faced criticism. Executing these features well out of the gate can help set positive norms for the Threads community by embracing inclusion and diversity.
Yes, you can BUT – a major point to note is that deleting your Threads account is not a straightforward process. Since Threads and Instagram accounts are deeply integrated, deleting one leads to eliminating the other as well. Users should be aware of this implication before signing up.
Threads, though promising, has encountered some early criticism with feedback pinpointing missing features and areas for improvement.
Amid the influx of new social media apps, some remain skeptical about the necessity of Threads and wonder if it’s just another app. Despite its positioning as a "separate space" for real-time conversations, a segment of users perceive it as just another addition to the already crowded social media space
Given Meta's vast resources and experience running successful social platforms, we’re cautiously optimistic about Threads’ long-term outlook. While missing key features at launch, the solid user experience and integration with Instagram offer significant advantages.
Interoperability between platforms, if achieved, would be game-changing and aligns with Meta's vision for an open, modern social web. But implication and execution remains to be seen.
For individual users seeking an alternate space beyond Instagram and Twitter, Threads shows initial promise. But the platform needs time to evolve.
Similarly, brands should take advantage of Meta's push by joining Threads early but they should also temper their expectations until more business features like Analytics arrive.
The next few weeks will prove critical as Meta expands the feature set and works toward making Threads truly interoperable with other networks. If they succeed, Threads has massive disruptive potential and may still live up to being the Twitter killer as some predicted.
