Introducing Threads, Instagram's highly anticipated app aimed at dethroning Twitter, is finally here. Notably, Threads bears a striking resemblance to Twitter, and that's precisely intentional.
With Twitter experiencing a perceived decline in product quality under Elon Musk's leadership, many social media users are eagerly seeking a reliable alternative. Recently, the platform implemented restrictions on the number of tweets users can access, a controversial decision that received widespread backlash. While alternatives like Mastodon and Bluesky exist, none have managed to surpass Twitter's popularity, particularly among influential figures in politics and culture.
Seizing the opportunity, Instagram, under Meta's ownership, decided to capitalize on the current demand. Originally slated for a later release this month, the Threads app launch (has been expedited to this Thursday, and now, to today. The app will be rolled out to users in 100 countries, excluding the European Union (more details to follow).
Threads offers similar functionality to Twitter, albeit with a few minor distinctions. Users can create concise posts of up to 500 characters, which can include links, photos, and short videos lasting up to five minutes. The feed on Threads is algorithmic, combining content from users you follow and recommended posts, reminiscent of Instagram's current approach. Unlike Twitter, which allows toggling between algorithmic and chronological feeds of followed accounts, resulting in a similar look and user experience.
One notable feature that sets Threads apart from Twitter is its decentralized aspirations. In the future, Threads aims to enable users to share their posts on other social media platforms like Mastodon, representing a different approach from Twitter's restrictions on API access for third-party developers. However, Meta has indicated that interoperability is not yet fully implemented. For most everyday users, the primary concerns are the individuals using the platform and its user-friendliness, rather than the interoperability aspect.
How to use Threads?
To access Threads, you need to download the standalone app from either the Apple Store or Android Store. Once installed, you can log in using your Instagram account and choose to follow the same individuals you already follow on Instagram. This is a significant advantage of Threads compared to other Twitter alternatives because it leverages Instagram's existing user base of over 2 billion people. Unlike platforms like Mastodon, you don't have to rebuild your follower network from scratch.
The connection between Instagram and Threads is seamless. If you are verified on Instagram (which is now a paid feature), your verification status will carry over to Threads. Additionally, you can cross-post your threads on Instagram as a story or share them as a link to other platforms.
When using Threads, it operates similarly to Twitter, but with an Instagram-inspired design, featuring the same font and icons. You can like, reply, or repost threads. According to Meta, the feed will consist of a blend of content from people you follow and recommended posts from others.
For Instagram, getting the Threads feed algorithm right is crucial. Many Twitter users have expressed dissatisfaction with the "For You" feed, which often shows content from unfamiliar users. Some users miss the traditional chronological feed on Twitter. It remains to be seen how users will respond to Threads' algorithmic approach in curating content that the app thinks they want to see, compared to content they have consciously chosen to follow.
The decentralized approach of Threads explained
Threads: Embracing Decentralization for Enhanced Social Media Experience
Threads, Meta's groundbreaking app, takes a bold step towards decentralization, allowing users to seamlessly transfer their social media content and engage with others across different apps that adhere to the same underlying standards.
While Mastodon leads the way as a popular decentralized social network, offering a promising alternative to the dominance of a single social media giant, Threads also aims to adopt a decentralized approach.
Although Threads hasn't reached full decentralization yet, Meta announced in a blog post that compatibility with the ActivityPub protocol is on the horizon. Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), a global organization setting standards for the modern internet, this protocol governs the independent operation of social networks.
The future vision for Threads is to enable users to make their posts visible on other platforms such as Mastodon or Wordpress, fostering cross-platform engagement. Users would have the freedom to comment on posts across these diverse apps. Additionally, if users decide to discontinue using Threads, they could hypothetically transfer their entire content to a new app seamlessly.
Meta expresses their belief that this decentralized approach, reminiscent of the protocols governing email and the web itself, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of online platforms, as stated in their blog post.
While decentralization remains a trending concept in the tech world, appealing particularly to digitally savvy audiences, it may not be widely familiar or significant to the average user. Ultimately, the app's success will be determined by the number of downloads and user satisfaction with the overall experience.