Meta Hits Back at Twitter with 10 Million Users on New App Threads
Meta has thrown down the gauntlet to Elon Musk’s Twitter with its brand-new app, Threads. Launched by the Instagram team, this fresh platform is a near-twin of Twitter, and it’s already racking up 10 million users within hours. The message is clear: Mark Zuckerberg wants a slice of the social media pie – and he’s serving it hot.
Threads: The Twitter Rival You Need to Know
Threads lets users share real-time text updates, just like Twitter. You get a very similar layout, though with a different font twist. Posts can be up to 500 characters and include links, photos, and videos up to five minutes long. You can like, repost, reply, and share posts, but unlike Twitter, Threads doesn’t show posts in chronological order – no option to shuffle the timeline either.
The app is live on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Follow your favourite celebs, athletes, and friends who are already hopping over from Instagram.
Why Threads Could Topple Twitter
The secret to Threads’ explosive start? It plugs straight into Instagram’s massive 2 billion-plus user base. You log in with Instagram, bringing your username and verification badge with you. Celebs, news outlets, brands, and influencers who already shine on Instagram can hit the ground running on Threads. This familiar crowd makes Threads feel lively — unlike Twitter challengers Bluesky or Mastodon.
Star-Studded Roll Call and Safety Features
Big names like Netflix, Star Wars, Gordon Ramsay, Shakira, Zac Efron, Lando Norris, Seth Curry, and even Zuckerberg himself are early adopters. Their posts might pop up as recommended content for new users.
On privacy, Threads mirrors Instagram’s safeguards: accounts under 18 are private by default, and users control who replies or tags them. There’s filtering for unwanted words, plus blocking, restriction, and reporting tools. Plus, block someone on Instagram and they’re blocked on Threads automatically.
However, Threads is currently unavailable in the EU over data privacy concerns. Having paid a hefty £1 billion fine before, Meta is treading carefully on European turf.
What’s Next for Threads? ActivityPub Compatibility
Threads isn’t just a copycat. It plans to support ActivityPub — an open social networking protocol. This lets users move content between platforms and interact across social apps without losing followers or posts. Imagine chatting with Mastodon pals from Threads or sharing your content elsewhere seamlessly. It’s a promising move to ease fears about losing years of content if you switch apps.
Watch this space: Threads could shake up the social media world by making cross-platform sharing the new normal.
