Instagram’s Twitter rival is set to hit the app store soon. The Meta’s response to Twitter, a new app called Threads, will be launched on July 6, just as users of the Twitter platform owned by Elon Musk seek out alternatives in droves.
The upcoming Threads app, which is linked to Instagram, appeared in the Apple App Store on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s launch. Meta has also launched a countdown website for the release of the App.
A preview of the “text-based conversation” app says Threads will be a place “where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow”.
“Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things – or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions, and creativity with the world,” the promotional text says.
With this Meta will join a pool of growing platforms, including BlueSky and Mastodon, competing to replace Twitter since Musk took over late last year and the site became more difficult for its estimated 250 million users to access.
How To Use Instagram’s Threads App?
Threads work as a standalone application that you download to your mobile phone. Once installed, it will automatically link to the Instagram account to which you are logged in.
The Threads app will then use your Instagram friends list to communicate. If you don’t use this list, then the app will suggest the users you are most in contact with on Instagram. Then the list that you create in the Threads app will be also added to your Instagram list of close friends.
You are wrong in thinking that Threads work in the same way as Instagram Direct or Messenger. You can't chat with anyone, just with a list of selected Instagram friends. But it also gives you the freedom to create different subgroups within the list.
Other features of the Threads app
Since Threads is connected to your phone’s camera, you can send videos and photos through it very quickly. You can also share automatic statues, stories, and messages with selected friends. Conversations from Threads are always saved in Instagram Direct. It is not necessary for all users to have Threads installed to communicate with each other. As long as you have it, your friends can continue just using Instagram and you will still be able to communicate with them on Threads.
The idea behind creating Threads was to offer users and their close friends a special private space where they can be in close contact all day.
Why Meta’s Threads Can Be A Real Threat to Twitter
After Elon Musk took over Twitter, the app market has been witnessing a flurry of new Twitter alternatives. Twitter faced rate limit errors over the weekend which forced many users to migrate to other platforms. This movement was temporary as users flocked back to years-old Twitter. However, Threads can offer something other Twitter competitors won't. Its integration with Instagram will allow users to port over their Instagram followers and following lists.
This means that users won’t have to start building contacts from scratch. Existing Instagram circles can be used as a ready-made user base.
