Instagram Threads has just burst onto the scene with an app that has broken records like we’ve never seen. The app hit a million users in 7 hours. At the 24 hour mark it was 30 million.
What is going on at Twitter?
Elon Musk’s recent actions on Twitter have drawn further criticism. He imposed a “temporary limit” on daily post views, based on users’ subscription status. Previously, he faced backlash for acquiring Twitter, firing most employees, restoring restricted profiles, and sharing conspiracy theories.
Users unsatisfied with Musk’s controversial leadership are seeking alternatives.
Which Twitter alternatives are making headlines?
The two big ones until now have been BlueSky and Mastadon.
Bluesky is a decentralized social app by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, operates alongside Twitter. It features a Twitter-like interface, algorithmic selection, federated design, and community-specific moderation. Bluesky requires an invite and they’re hard to come by. As a result of its prolonged introduction period and closed beta it is not taking off.
Meanwhile, Mastodon is another decentralized social network, comprised of independent servers focused on specific themes or interests, where users can join, follow others, participate in conversations, and engage in typical social network activities akin to Twitter. Mastadon had great traction at launch but it is complicated, had few users, and failed to gain an adequate user base quickly enough to really take off.
Full stop: the only headlines that matter right now are about Threads by Instagram.
What is Instagram Threads?
In a recent announcement, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the initial version of Threads, a text-sharing app developed by the Instagram team. Threads provides users, whether they are content creators or casual posters, with a dedicated platform for real-time updates and public conversations. The goal is to expand Instagram’s core strengths in visual content to include text, fostering a positive and imaginative environment for expressing ideas.
Similar to Instagram, Threads allows users to connect with friends and creators who share their interests, extending connections beyond the Instagram platform. Additionally, users can leverage the existing safety features and user controls provided by Instagram. This move towards compatibility with open and interoperable social networks reflects the company’s commitment to shaping the future of the internet.
Hot take: Instagram Threads for the Win.
Threads is the Twitter alternative you’ve been waiting for.
Unlike Mastadon and BlueSky, Instagram Threads is starting with the Instagram user base at its finger tips. The moment you jump in you have a feed full of interesting content. You aren’t an early adopter waiting around to see if your friends show up. There’s a reason to engage and stick around from the get go. Threads is also easy, it isn’t complicated to sign up, read, nor contribute. With one click you can follow all of your Instagram list making that feed even better from the moment you start.
Your feed on Threads includes threads posted by people you follow, and recommended content from new creators you haven’t discovered yet. Posts can be up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length. You can easily share a Threads post to your Instagram story, or share your post as a link on any other platform you choose.
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