Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is current as of the time of writing. Please note that details and updates about Threads may have evolved since then.
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has introduced its latest offering: Threads, a potential challenger to Twitter's reign. This blog explores what we know so far about Threads and its impact on the social media scene. *1
Record users in record time
The platform's popularity continues to skyrocket, as within a span of fewer than 24 hours, Threads attracted a staggering 30 million users. With Meta's already massive user base of over two billion Instagram users, who can seamlessly link their accounts to Threads, the platform's growth is set to accelerate rapidly. *2
Not in Europe yet
While Threads exhibits significant promise, its global launch encounters regulatory and reputational hurdles. Meta has refrained from introducing Threads in the European Union (EU) due to regulatory uncertainties stemming from the upcoming Digital Markets Act. The law imposes limitations on major organizations designated as "gatekeepers," impacting Meta's strategic decisions. The company remains committed to the European market but cites regulatory uncertainty as a factor in the delayed launch. *3
Protections for minors
To address privacy concerns, Threads implements measures to safeguard younger users. Those under 16 (or 18 in certain countries) automatically default to a private profile upon joining Threads. Instagram, which offers similar privacy tools, ensures users can control who can mention or reply to them, hide offensive words in replies, and manage accounts by unfollowing, blocking, or limiting them. *3
Mobile only... For now.
At present, Threads is exclusively available as a mobile app, and its availability on desktop remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the Threads website, threads.net, aims to facilitate interoperability with other apps like Mastodon and WordPress.
No chronological feed or hashtags
While Threads currently features a non-chronological feed, a frequently requested feature across platforms, it lacks a dedicated feed solely displaying posts from followed accounts. Meta acknowledges this feedback and acknowledges that it's "on the list." Furthermore, the absence of hyperlinked hashtags in posts raises questions about their future support in Threads. *4
Threads has emerged as an intriguing contender in the social media landscape, harnessing Meta's vast user base and pioneering approach. As the platform continues to evolve and overcome regulatory hurdles, its impact on the Twitter sphere and social media ecosystem at large is yet to be fully realized.
Stay tuned for further updates on Threads as Meta refines and expands its newest venture. The social media landscape is poised for another thrilling chapter, and Threads might just be the game-changer we've been waiting for.
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