What is Threads on Instagram? All about Mark Zuckerberg’s Twitter alternative
Mark Zuckerberg’s Instagram has launched its new text-based social media app called “Threads,” which has quickly gained widespread attention and surpassed 10 million users within hours of its unexpected release. This puts the app in direct competition with Elon Musk’s Twitter and has led some to speculate that Threads could potentially be a “Twitter killer.” Threads aims to take what Instagram does best and expand it to text, providing a positive and creative space for users to express their ideas. In a lighthearted dig at his rival, Zuckerberg posted his first tweet in over a decade. Musk, on the other hand, responded with a jab at Instagram and a defense of Twitter. Currently, the only way to delete a Threads account is by also deleting the user’s Instagram account. Threads’ launch comes at a time when Musk-owned Twitter has faced criticism for its management decisions and content moderation. Here is everything you need to know about Threads.
What is Threads?
Threads is a text-based social media app closely linked to Instagram, owned by Meta. It serves as a alternative to Twitter, offering a “sanely run” platform, according to Meta’s chief product officer, Chris Cox.
How does Threads work?
Threads operates similarly to Twitter. Users can make posts with up to 500 characters, including links, gifs, videos, and photos. Videos can be up to five minutes long. Users can follow other accounts, like, repost, and send posts via direct message. They also have the option to block certain words from appearing in their feeds. Threads users will maintain their followers from Instagram.
When did Threads launch?
Threads became available for download on Wednesday, earlier than expected. Some celebrities, including Shakira and Gordon Ramsay, had already posted on the app before the public launch. Meta’s listing for Threads on Apple’s App Store had indicated a debut date of July 6.
Can you delete a Threads account?
Currently, the only way to delete a Threads account is by deleting the linked Instagram account, according to the platform’s privacy policy. Some users have expressed frustration with this policy, feeling “trapped.” The Post has reached out to Meta for comment on this matter.
How do you sign up for Threads?
Users can download Threads from app stores on their phones. They can also sign up through Instagram by searching for “Threads.”
Does Threads use Instagram followers?
When a user signs up for Threads, their Instagram followers will automatically carry over to the new app. They can also choose to follow or unfollow any account of their choosing on Threads, just like on Instagram.
Does Threads work on desktop?
Currently, the Threads app is only available for mobile download on Apple and Android app stores. However, Threads accounts, such as Zuckerberg’s, can be accessed through desktop web browsers if the user knows the account handle.
How do you follow accounts on Threads?
Users will start following the same accounts on Threads as they do on Instagram, assuming those accounts have also signed up for Threads. They can also follow accounts by visiting their pages, similar to other social media apps.
Do hashtags work on Threads?
At the moment, it does not appear that hashtags function on Threads, although they are popular on platforms like Instagram and Twitter for following specific topics.
Unveiling Threads on Instagram: Delving into Mark Zuckerberg’s Twitter Alternative
Instagram, owned by Mark Zuckerberg, has introduced a new text-based social media app called “Threads,” causing a stir in the social media world. Within hours of its unexpected launch, more than 10 million users signed up for the app. This presents a significant challenge to Twitter, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, with some even touting Threads as a potential rival to Twitter. Meta, the parent company of Instagram, stated in a blog post that Threads aims to expand on Instagram’s strengths and create a positive and creative space for expressing ideas through text. Zuckerberg, taking a light-hearted approach, posted his first tweet in over a decade, humorously poking fun at his potential competitor. This early success of Threads seemed to annoy Musk, who tweeted a dig at Instagram while defending Twitter. Currently, the only way to delete a Threads account is by deleting the linked Instagram account. Twitter has faced criticism for Musk’s controversial management decisions, including limiting the number of tweets users can read per day, which has led to concerns from advertisers. Threads is closely integrated with Instagram, allowing users to carry over their followers. The app’s interface is similar to Twitter, with posts limited to 500 characters and the ability to include links, gifs, videos, and photos. Users can follow, like, repost, and send posts through direct messages. They also have the option to block certain words from appearing in their feeds. Threads became available for download on Wednesday, earlier than expected. Some celebrities, including Shakira and Gordon Ramsay, had already posted on the app before the public launch. However, some users have expressed frustration due to the app’s policy of not allowing individual deletion of Threads accounts without deleting the associated Instagram account. Users can sign up for Threads through the app stores or by searching “Threads” on Instagram. While the app is only available for mobile download, Threads accounts, such as Zuckerberg’s, can be accessed through desktop web browsers if the user knows the handle. Users initially follow the same accounts on Threads as they do on Instagram, but they can also choose to follow or unfollow any account on the app. Hashtags, which are popular for following specific topics on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, do not currently function on Threads. Overall, Threads presents a new and competitive option for users looking to express themselves through text-based social media.