Meta officially launched Threads, a text-based social messaging app that aims to rival Twitter. The app is currently available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in over 100 countries. Threads is designed for real-time updates and public conversations, targeting users looking for an alternative to Twitter. However, the platform is currently unavailable in European Union countries. Here are some rumored features of Threads and how it could be a viable competitor to Elon Musk’s current mismanagement of Twitter. Meta maybe the de facto standard social media company by having 3 successful social media platforms under its management. Here are some key features and differences that set Threads apart from Twitter:
Increased Character Limit and Media Support
Threads allows users to post messages up to 500 characters long, which is more than Twitter’s 280-character limit. Additionally, users can include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length in their posts.
Fediverse Support
Threads supports a novel feature known as Fediverse, enabling users to interact with people from alternative microblogging platforms like Mastodon. This decentralized approach aims to create diverse and interconnected networks, similar to the protocols governing email and the web.
Instagram Integration
Threads is linked to users’ Instagram accounts, allowing them to keep their usernames, followers, and verification status. Users can easily share a Threads post to their Instagram story or share their post as a link on any other platform.
Compatibility with ActivityPub Protocol
Meta plans to make Threads compatible with ActivityPub, the open social networking protocol established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). This would make Threads interoperable with other apps that also support the ActivityPub protocol, such as Mastodon and WordPress, allowing new types of connections that are not possible on most social apps today.
No Direct Messaging
One major difference between Threads and Twitter is that Threads does not include any direct messaging capabilities. Threads has the potential to become a strong competitor to Twitter due to its integration with Instagram and its unique features, such as increased character limits, media support, and Fediverse compatibility. The launch of Threads comes at a time when Twitter is facing challenges under Elon Musk’s ownership, which has led to questions about the platform’s future. As a result, Threads may attract users and advertisers seeking alternatives to Twitter.
How Threads Could Compete with Twitter
- Threads could offer a more user-friendly experience than Twitter, which has been plagued by technical problems in recent years. Meta has deep pockets and could invest heavily in developing a platform that is more reliable and easier to use than Twitter.
- Threads could attract users who are dissatisfied with Twitter’s algorithmic timeline, which has been criticized for prioritizing popular content over relevant content. By offering a chronological timeline, Threads could appeal to users who want to see content in the order it was posted.
- Threads could offer a more private and secure experience than Twitter, which has been criticized for its handling of user data. By offering a direct messaging feature and a verification system, Threads could attract users who are concerned about their privacy and security online.
- Threads could attract users who are looking for a new social media platform to join. Twitter has been around for over a decade and has a large user base, but some users may be looking for a fresh start on a new platform and with the Instagram integration, it already has amassed a built in audience and one won’t need to start from scratch.
Threads has the potential to become a strong competitor to Twitter due to its integration with Instagram and its unique features, such as increased character limits, media support, and Fediverse compatibility. The launch of Threads comes at a time when Twitter is facing challenges under Elon Musk’s ownership, which has led to questions about the platform’s future. As a result, Threads may attract users and advertisers seeking alternatives to Twitter.
| Feature | Threads | |
|---|---|---|
| Character Limit | 500 characters | 280 characters (standard), 25,000 characters for Twitter Blue users |
| Messaging | No in-app messaging | In-app messaging |
| Account Requirement | Requires an Instagram account | No specific account requirement |
| Platform Availability | Mobile app only (Android and iOS) | Mobile app (Android and iOS) and desktop |
| Multimedia Posts | Photos, videos up to 5 minutes in length | Photos, videos, GIFs |
| Feed Type | Algorithm-driven feed | Chronological feed, “Following” feed, and “For You” feed |
| Paid Tier | No paid option | Twitter Blue (paid option) |
| Post Search | Cannot search for posts | Can search for posts |
| Hashtags | Not available yet | Available |
| Editing Posts | Not available yet, but planned | Not available |
