Meta officially launches Twitter rival Threads; over 10 million users join

Meta officially unveiled a new app called Threads on Wednesday, aiming to provide a platform for real-time online conversations, which has long been Twitter’s primary selling point. 

Facebook has made various attempts to rival Twitter over the years, even going so far as to replicate key Twitter features such as hashtags and trending topics. However, now Facebook’s parent company, Meta, is making perhaps its most significant move against Twitter to date. 

Within seven hours of its launch, the app garnered 10 million sign-ups, according to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s Threads account. 

The app shares many similarities with Twitter, both in terms of its layout and product description. The app’s listing, which was initially teased earlier this week, highlights its potential for attracting a following and connecting with like-minded individuals. 

The vision for Threads is to create an option and friendly public space for conversation,” Zuckerberg said in a Threads post following the launch. “We hope to take what Instagram does best and create a new experience around text, ideas, and discussing what’s on your mind. 

He also engaged with posts and shared his perspective on whether Threads has the potential to surpass Twitter in terms of size and popularity. “It’ll take some time, but I think there should be a public conversations app with over 1 billion people on it. 

Twitter has had the opportunity to do this but hasn’t nailed it,” Zuckerberg wrote on Threads. “Hopefully we will.”  

According to the app’s listing, Threads is described as a platform where communities can unite to engage in discussions ranging from subjects, they are currently passionate about to the latest trending topics. It aims to provide a space where individuals can connect and share their thoughts on a wide range of interests and conversations. 

“Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favourite creators and others who love the same things — or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions, and creativity with the world,” it reads.  

Meta has announced that messages posted on Threads will be limited to 500 characters. The company also revealed its plans to make the app available in 100 countries through Apple’s iOS and Android platforms, ensuring wide accessibility for users across different regions. 

Upon downloading the Threads app, users are prompted to connect their Instagram account, personalize their profile, and follow the same accounts they already follow on Instagram. The app’s interface bears a resemblance to Twitter, featuring a familiar layout with a text-based feed. Users can repost and quote other Thread posts, similar to Twitter’s functionality.