Social media Threads launch: Social media platform Twitter’s rival Meta-owned Threads is now available for download on Android and iOS in 100 countries. More than 2 million people signed-up within just two hours of its launch.
Threads is a new app built by the Instagram team to share text updates and engage in public discussion, Meta said in a blogpost on Wednesday. You log in using your Instagram account and can write posts up to 500 characters long. Links, videos up to five minutes and photos can also be attached.
The company is planning to integrate it with the ActivityPub protocol, which is an open social networking protocol. “This will make Threads interoperable with other apps that also support the ActivityPub protocol, such as Mastodon and WordPress, allowing for new types of connections that aren’t possible on most social apps right now,” Meta said. Similar to Instagram, with Threads users can follow and connect with friends and creators who share their interests, including people they follow on Instagram.
In addition, users under the age of 16 (or under the age of 18 in some countries) will automatically be assigned a private profile upon joining the App. Users can also control who can mention or reply to them within threads.
In a groundbreaking development, Meta-owned Threads, the new social media platform, has made its grand entrance into the digital realm. Available for download on Android and iOS devices in a staggering 100 countries, Threads has taken the world by storm, amassing an impressive 2 million sign-ups within a mere two hours of its official launch.
In an official blog post on Wednesday, Meta revealed that Threads was meticulously crafted by the brilliant minds behind Instagram. Its primary purpose is to enable users to share captivating text updates and actively engage in vibrant public discussions. To dive into the world of Threads, one can effortlessly log in using their existing Instagram account, gaining access to a plethora of exciting features. With a generous character limit of 500, users can compose elaborate posts, accompanied by the ability to attach various media elements, including links, videos of up to five minutes, and captivating photographs.
Looking to enhance connectivity even further, Meta has outlined plans to integrate Threads with the ActivityPub protocol, a revolutionary open social networking protocol. This integration will unlock a whole new realm of possibilities, making Threads interoperable with other apps that support ActivityPub, such as Mastodon and WordPress. Such an innovation will facilitate novel connections, surpassing the limitations imposed by most contemporary social media platforms. In true Instagram fashion, Threads empowers users to effortlessly follow and connect with friends and creators who share similar interests, including those they already follow on Instagram.
To ensure a secure and controlled experience, Threads automatically assigns a private profile to users under the age of 16 (or under the age of 18 in specific regions) upon joining the app. Furthermore, users are granted comprehensive control over their interactions within threads, enabling them to manage who can mention or reply to their posts.
Taking a page from Instagram’s playbook, Threads introduces the option to add hidden words, allowing users to filter out replies containing specific terms or phrases. Moreover, users possess the ability to unfollow, block, ban, or report profiles on Threads through a simple tap on the three-dot menu. It is noteworthy that any account blocked on Instagram will automatically be blocked on Threads, streamlining the moderation process.
Mark Zuckerberg, the visionary founder and CEO of Meta, took to his personal Threads account to share a momentous announcement on Thursday, revealing that the platform had already surpassed the astounding milestone of 2 million sign-ups within its first two hours of operation. In a separate Instagram post, Zuckerberg emphasized the company’s aspiration to merge the finest aspects of Instagram with Threads, cultivating an innovative space for thought-provoking conversations. He stated, “Our vision is to take the best parts of Instagram and create a new experience to text, think, and discuss what’s on your mind. I believe the world needs a friendly community like this one.” He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the early adopters who have joined Threads since its inception, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping this flourishing digital community.
Threads’ rapid rise to prominence showcases its immense potential to disrupt the social media landscape. As more users flock to this captivating platform, it remains to be seen how it will shape the future of online conversations, fostering a dynamic and inclusive space for individuals worldwide to connect, express, and engage.