The standalone Threads app from tech company Meta was released on Thursday. The app’s functionality is based on Instagram’s account system and enables users to publish links, reply to or report messages, share text updates, and participate in group conversations.
In an official statement, Meta said, “Our vision with Threads is to take what Instagram does best and expand that to text, creating a positive and creative space to express your ideas.”
Image Source: Business Insider
Users can connect and follow friends and creators, including those they follow, much like they can on Instagram. For iOS and Android users, Threads has been released in over 100 countries.
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The release of the Threads app coincides with Elon Musk’s Twitter facing financial difficulties. Despite Musk’s statements that its company was “upswing,” media reports last month said that Twitter’s U.S. advertising income in April fell by 59% from a year earlier.
Image Source: CNN
The app is being seen as a direct competition to Twitter and will compete for user attention from news publishers, politicians and other high-profile individuals.
The Key Features Of Threads:
- The user’s feed on Threads will include threads posted by people they follow and some recommended content.
- Posts can be up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes.
- A post can be shared on one’s Instagram story.
- The post can also be shared as a link on any other platform.
- The users can control who can mention them or reply within Threads.
- Like on Instagram, users can add hidden words to filter out replies to the threads. They can unfollow, block, restrict or report a profile on the app.
- Any accounts blocked on Instagram will automatically be blocked on the app as well.
Millions Of Downloads:
Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg said ten million users joined the newly launched app in the first seven hours. He marketed the application as a “friendly” rival to Twitter, which Elon Musk acquired in October. According to experts, Twitter users dissatisfied with recent platform changes may flock to the new app.
Source- News18
Users can post up to 500 characters on Threads, which offers numerous features comparable to those on Twitter. Earlier, Mr Zuckerberg stated that the platform’s success ultimately depends on how “friendly” it can be.
Not Available In European Union:
The app from Meta Inc. will not be available in the European Union because of stricter privacy regulations. As the company figures out how data sharing between the new platform and its Instagram app will be regulated, the app will reportedly not be available in the European Union countries, including Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Ireland, and Belgium. At the same time, it is available for download in the U.S. and other markets.
