Meta, is set to launch a new app named Threads as a direct competitor to Twitter. The app, available for pre-order on the Apple App Store, will be closely integrated with Instagram. Threads offers a text-based conversation platform resembling Twitter’s dashboard.
The release of Threads marks the latest development in the ongoing rivalry between Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter. Recently, the two even jokingly agreed to a physical fight, although the seriousness of their intention remains uncertain.
Elon Musk took a fresh jab at Mark Zuckerberg, calling the handling of Threads “sanely run” in response to a tweet. Meanwhile, Twitter has announced that its popular user dashboard.TweetDeck, will become a paid service in 30 days. This move is part of Musk’s efforts to encourage users to subscribe to Twitter Blue, the platform’s subscription service.
To combat data scraping issues, Musk restricted the number of tweets visible to users. However, Meta’s Threads app appears to be completely free, with no limitations on post visibility. The app’s description on the App Store emphasizes that Threads provides a space for communities to engage in discussions on various topics.
Screenshots of Threads reveal a striking resemblance to Twitter’s interface. The app will also collect data from users’ personal phones, including location, purchases, and browsing history.
In recent years, several Twitter-like apps have emerged, including Donald Trump’s Truth Social and Mastodon. Bluesky, another similar app, experienced a surge in traffic following Musk’s tweet restriction.
Nonetheless, Threads poses the most significant threat to Twitter to date. Mark Zuckerberg has a track record of adopting successful features from other platforms, such as Meta’s Reels (similar to TikTok) and Stories (resembling Snapchat). With Meta’s extensive resources and Threads being integrated into the Instagram platform, it already has a substantial user base to tap into.
While Elon Musk has received praise for his support of free speech. Mark Zuckerberg hopes to attract enough dissatisfied Twitter users to create a genuine alternative through Threads.