Just when you thought there were enough new social media apps doing the rounds - and rules about how we can use them - another platform to rival Twitter has just launched: Threads. And it sounds like it could make a serious impact, given that within the first seven hours of its life, it had 10 million sign ups (according to Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg... via his latest Threads post, of course).
When asked by a user whether it will become bigger than Twitter, Zuckerberg responded: "It'll take some time, but I think there should be a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people on it. Twitter has had the opportunity to do this but hasn't nailed it. Hopefully we will."
The move by Meta, Facebook's parent company, seems to be pretty conveniently timed, as users over on the Elon Musk-owned app now face restrictions including having to be logged in to view the site, a limit on the amount of Tweets unverified accounts can view a day (600 compared to 6,000 for Twitter Blue members), and Tweetdeck (a dashboard that allows you to view multiple timelines in one place) soon to be available only to paying users.
So, joining other competing platforms Bluesky and Mastodon, what exactly is the new Threads app?
What is Threads?
Called 'Threads, an Instagram app' on the Apple app store, it appears to have a likeness to Twitter, with screenshots suggesting it has similar features including liking, commenting, reposting and sharing what would be a 'thread', rather than a 'tweet'. Fairly self-explanatory.
Advertised as a "text-based conversation app" which allows you to "say more", it's listed as suitable for those 12+.
"Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what'll be trending tomorrow," the app's description states.
"Whatever it is you're interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favourite 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."
And if you're wondering where the name comes from (other than the obvious), it was originally introduced by Meta as a "camera-first messaging app" no doubt in competition with Snapchat, though was never launched in the end. Seems to have been saved for the more important rival, Twitter...
How do you use Threads?
For those sick of having to make endless new logins for the latest app of the week, if you have an Instagram account you can simply log on with the same details and will be issued the same username. A pretty clever but simple way to utilise the two billion active users already on the app...
You can also easily find and follow the same accounts you do on Instagram (unless you're looking for a fresh slate, that is), and start connecting over conversations (or should we say 'threads'?).
It appears you can choose to show what you post (up to 500 characters) to anyone, profiles you follow, or those mentioned only.
When was Threads launched?
Threads was first listed on the Apple app store on Tuesday 4 July 2023, but was officially launched on Thursday 6 July 2023.
For those who didn't already save the app for pre-order (meaning it will have now notified you its available and downloaded automatically), it's ready for use.
The app is currently free, although there may end up being more premium services or purchases within it that will cost you.
What has the reaction been so far?
While Meta chief product officer Chris Cox reportedly said prior to its launch, according to The Verge, they had been "hearing from creators and public figures who are interested in having a platform that is sanely run", it seems un-surprising that Twitter's co-founder Jack Dorsey (also working on fellow Twitter rival, Bluesky, which has data stored on independent servers rather than under one company), flagged the privacy information of Threads, sharing a screenshot.
Data that may be collected on Threads and linked to your identity includes health and fitness, financial info, contact info, browsing history, search history, purchases, location, contacts, identifiers, sensitive info and more.
Threads vs Twitter
Commenting on Dorsey's post, ex-UK Gov digital comms advisor and head of social media Matt Navarra responded, "Yet people would rather use that app than have to stick with Elons Twitter. Speaks volumes."
Elsewhere on Twitter in the build up to its release, one user wrote, "Not sure I want to give Zuckerberg access to my health & financial data though.." while another responded, "I’m sure you give the same, and more, to other apps."
"That new threads app is going to take this place out," Tweeted comedian Kae Kurd.
And now that it's live, over on Threads, one user posted, "I promise you, if you listen to the users, listen to the MASSES complaints, this will be the next biggest platform. Listen to the creatives. Please do not push the algorithm against us like Instagram and Twitter. Don't let bots, hate speech, and misinformation run wild. Keep moderation tight, but free."
Only time will tell...
What happens if you want to delete Threads?
There's been some speculation over what happens if you change your mind and no longer want an account – and while it looks like you can delete posts on Threads, and deactivate your account up to once a week, if you want to actually delete it forever, this will wipe your Instagram account too.
"To delete your Threads profile and data, you'll need to delete your Instagram account," the Threads help centre page on Instagram explains. Bit much? And may have deterred a few people if they'd have known this sooner...
But for those still keen, head over to the Apple app store, or Google Play for android users, and hit download/install!
Hannah Millington is a journalist and writer who has covered everything from health to news to entertainment and all things lifestyle. She loves a morning croissant, evening documentary and good chat with her friends.
