A Plan to Cover the 390 Million Euros Fine

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Twitter since the Musk takeover has been controversial. First, Twitter itself sued Elon Musk when he backed out of a $44bn Twitter takeover deal. Fast forward now, when Twitter is owned by Elon, he threatens to sue Threads over app infringement.

It’s important to know what the newly launched app Threads has in common with Twitter. To do that, let’s see what Threads by Instagram all is about.

Threads by Instagram – An Overview

Threads, in a nutshell, is a microblogging network comparable to Twitter. And, the tweet-counterparts are referred to as threads, and re-tweets are referred to as reposts. The similarities and unsurprising given the primary purpose of Threads was to compete with Twitter.

You can transfer all of your information and credentials using your existing Instagram accounts. And, you can follow everyone you know on Instagram with a single tap. You can also post threads, images, and videos, as well as engage with all of your followers. It will coexist with Instagram as a text-centric platform.

Threads will also be compatible with open social networks based on Activity Pub, such as Mastodon. Meta aims to integrate it into the metaverse, and this is a great move to complement that.

Thread is a strong attempt to compete with Twitter. Meta has used its experience in producing social media products, as well as its existing distribution of over a billion people, to create a decent app. We’re still working on the app’s first public release, and there’s a lot to improve and look forward to.

Instagram Threads vs Twitter – Comparing Key Features

1. User Interface

The Threads app’s interface is straightforward, with a dark background and text in white and grey in the foreground. A lot is happening on a single thread and there is no light mode either. This is where Twitter has an advantage, thanks to years of improving the microblogging platform.

If we talk about the user interface Twitter has an edge over newly launched Threads. It would be crucial to see how Threads copes up.

2. App Layout and Features

The Threads app features five tabs: the home tab, the search tab, the post tab, the activity tab (which contains all of your replies, mentions, and other notifications), and the profile tab.

The home tab displays all threads, including accounts you don’t follow – and it can quickly load up with unwelcome posts. The search tab displays profiles that you can follow.

Twitter has an advantage here because it offers a separate page for ‘For You’ and ‘Following’. Twitter also includes extra features such as Spaces, Community, and Direct Messaging that Trends does not have. And, Threads does not support hashtags.

Another issue with Threads is that there is no separate button on your Profile to verify who you follow. You have a button for checking your followers, which leads to a button for checking your following. We’re also not sure what the design process was. However, there is a separate link beneath your profile to display your Threads and Replies, which we appreciate.

3. Differences in Content Features, Rules, and Character Limit

Threads hit Twitter where it hurts the most – Twitter’s free edition has a 280-character limit, while a Twitter Blue subscription gives you up to 25,000 characters. Post content in Threads is limited to 500 characters. Threads, of course, have no rate limit, and you can browse as much content as you like.

However, there does not appear to be a limit on the number of videos that can be uploaded to Twitter. We recently saw Apple provide a free series premiere via a single Tweet. Threads, on the other hand, has a five-minute video limit.

Threads, like Twitter, allow you to mute and hide words from your feed. On Threads, you may also conceal and block accounts. You can also hide the like count on your Threads and Instagram posts. This is a feature that Twitter lacks.

Tweets can be edited with the Twitter Blue membership. This feature is absent from Threads. There is no paid version that allows you to do this either. Twitter Blue can also assist you with the text format, which Threads cannot. Individual Threads can be deleted, but not your Threads account. You’ll have to also erase your Instagram account to do so.

4. Sharing Features on Threads and Twitter

Threads links can be easily shared and cross-posted on Instagram. But unlike Twitter, Threads does not have a direct message capability. Threads also do not allow you to share hashtags.

The repost feature is similar to retweets on Twitter. Both fundamentally serve the same purpose; which is to share content from other accounts on your feed. On both Twitter and Threads, you can quickly post links to information on other social media platforms.

5. Profile Verification

The prized blue tick recently became a paid feature that anyone with Twitter Blue could access, removing its exclusivity. Meta did the same thing and began a paid subscription program for verification. This will grant you Threads verification, as well as a special tab to view notifications from verified accounts.

6. Privacy

Privacy has always been Meta’s weak link, so it’s no surprise that Zuckerberg faced criticism during the Threads launch. It is not available in the EU since it facilitates data and credential transfer from another app (Instagram), which is against EU law. Furthermore, a simple check of App Store data shows that Threads accesses more items on your phone than Twitter.

Furthermore, Twitter has greater privacy features, particularly in terms of content blocking and limits.

You may safely log in to Threads if you have two-factor authentication enabled on Instagram. Twitter supports two-factor authentication as well, but SMS-based 2FA is available exclusively with Twitter Blue.

Also, there is currently no advertising on Threads. We’re sure they’ll start appearing in the next few days, and it’s unlikely we’ll be able to block or minimize them. Twitter Blue allows you to cut advertisements by up to 50%.

7. Compatibility

Twitter has both Android and iPhone apps, as well as web compatibility. As a result, you can use Twitter on any device. Threads, on the other hand, currently only has iOS and Android apps. Threads cannot be accessed directly on a web browser. We believe, however, that the online app will be accessible soon.

Should You Move to Threads on Instagram

We believe it is too soon to switch from Twitter to Threads. Instead, we recommend that you use both of these platforms. This is because a huge portion of the Instagram audience is now available on Threads, and you don’t want to miss out on your Twitter following as well.

Threads still have a long way to go before it can compete with Twitter as a microblogging platform. Would Meta have a chance if Elon Musk’s acquisition was not heavily criticized, and if all of the restricted features including Twitter Blue were not present?

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Instagram Threads Broke ChatGPT’s Record 

Threads has surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT bot, which was previously ranked as one of the fastest-growing consumer products. ChatGPT surpassed 10 million daily users in 40 days and 100 million monthly users in just over two months. Surprisingly, Threads has already achieved the 100 million monthly active user threshold in its first month. The true problem, however, is retaining these people and keeping them engaged with the site.

Threads Lacking Features 

While many users are anxious to test out Meta’s new text-focused social platform, some key features are now lacking. Support for Activity Pub, the protocol used for posts on decentralized networks, is one such feature. Although Meta has noted this issue and is trying to integrate it into Threads. The app will not be fully integrated into the Fediverse until this integration is complete.

Furthermore, Threads presently lacks a read-only web interface, post-search functionality, direct message capabilities, hashtags, and a “Following” feed. Nudity is not permitted on Instagram due to the platform’s tight standards, unlike its Twitter counterpart, Bluesky, which has more permissive content policies.

Major Uses and the Reason Behind its Popularity 

Threads has reached 100 million users in a short period, demonstrating its rapid growth and focus on text-based interactions. The app offers an alternative platform for sharing thoughts and experiences, addressing the growing demand for text-based communication services. Threads cater to the growing demand for meaningful dialogues and text-based posts, allowing users to connect and engage in discussions on various themes. 

The simplicity and convenience of use of the app contribute to its popularity. Threads’ simple and easy interface allows users to easily produce and share text-based messages, allowing them to express themselves and connect with others.  

The rapid emergence of Threads also demonstrates the power of Meta’s large user base. Meta was able to swiftly draw millions of users to its new app by using Instagram’s large community. Threads’ integration with the existing Instagram ecosystem gives users a smooth transition, allowing them to leverage their existing connections and interact with familiar faces on the new platform. 

Will Instagram Threads Retain the Hype? 

Threads have the potential to become a serious rival in the social media environment as they continue to expand and address the missing features. The app’s rapid growth shows its capacity to captivate users’ attention and generate widespread interest. 

Threads is well-positioned to establish its presence and carve out a unique niche in the ever-changing world of social media, thanks to Meta’s commitment to improving the user experience and expanding the app’s features.

Finally, Threads’ success in achieving 100 million sign-ups in just five days demonstrates the app’s great popularity and potential. While the app lacks significant functionality and decentralized network interaction, its rapid growth implies it is here to stay. Users may expect an even more robust and interesting text-based social platform in the future as Meta refines and improves Threads. 

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META is famous for capitalizing on any chance it sees to capitalize on a fresh arrival in the market. It is not the first time that the company is launching a competitor to existing platforms. The perfect example of this was during the lockdown when Instagram introduced Reels. It became an instant hit as TikTok was getting banned in some countries due to privacy issues. Now, with Twitter’s unclear future, Instagram is set to launch Threads. A feature that will be like Twitter’s text-based threads.  Considering Twitter’s ongoing controversies, this seems like a brilliant move by Meta.

The Reason for the Introduction of Instagram Threads

Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, it has seen a drop in the user base due to various issues in the company. To capitalize on this situation Instagram is ready to launch Threads. 

Last week, Twitter set temporary rate limits that block you after reading a set number of tweets in a day. It also blocked unregistered users from seeing tweets. Users were unable to browse the service throughout the weekend as a result of these adjustments. 

Meta posted a launch date teaser to the Instagram app. The search bar displays a ticket icon when you type “threads” (or any of a range of other phrases) into the search box. When you tap it, a spinning ticket with your Instagram username and a local launch time display the equivalent of 10 AM ET on the 6th. The spinning ticket also has a QR code that connects to threads.net, which appears to be the online homepage for the brand-new social media platform. 

How Does the Instagram Threads Feature Work?

Here is the app’s official, brief description as it appears on the App Store: 

“Say more with Threads – Instagram’s text-based conversation app. Threads are where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow. Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite 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.” 

Twitter Issues & Elon Musk’s Reaction to the Launch

In addition, Twitter is abruptly implementing significant modifications to TweetDeck. This is after the program started to malfunction. The true reason behind it is speculative. But, it is likely the pressure of scrapers mining for data to feed AI models. Additionally, TweetDeck will be a paid tool soon. 

Over the holiday weekend, many Twitter users attempted to switch to Bluesky. But, it suspended new user signups for more than a day to fix problems brought on by people rushing the app.

Elon Musk responded to several tweets following the announcement of Instagram’s announcement. Some of these referred to the quantity of customer data that Threads’ App Store description on Meta claims it may gather.

The shots fired by Elon are straight after he and META CEO Mark Zuckerberg agreed on a cage fight. While that may or may not come to fruition, the META vs Twitter battle has commenced.

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Instagram over the years has brought many updates/features to the social media app. The update and features had made it a great and easy-to-use app. Today, Instagram is the go-to app for content creators to publish their content online. Content Creators affiliates, influencers, and the company promote themselves on these platforms while other users use the platform for content consumption and browsing. 

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, on the IG broadcast announced that they will begin rolling out the feature in the United States. He further added that it will only be available to public accounts. Creators may turn off this feature and prevent their material from being downloaded. It is unclear whether the reel download feature will be available on all devices, and it will be worth watching. 

How Do Instagram Reels Work?  

The Instagram Reel was introduced on August 5, 2020, and is a method to make and discover short, amusing videos on the platform that is controlled by Meta. Instagram Reel enables users to record, edit, and share 15-second multi-clip Videos with audio, effects, and fresh design tools. Then, through Explore, these can be made available to the larger community as well as shared with followers on Feeds. 

How to Download the Reels? 

Simply, hit the Share symbol on a reel you like and choose Download. Reels shared by private users cannot be downloaded, and public accounts can disable the ability for others to download their reels in Account Settings. 

Image Credits- Instagram/Adam Mosseri 

Mosseri did not explain in his announcement whether the downloaded reels will bear IG’s watermark, as is the case with TikTok video downloads and YouTube clips. YouTube began including its branding in downloaded’ shorts’ to prevent cross-platform video sharing.  

Instagram has 2.35 million active users globally. But since this feature is just for the US, Instagram can soon roll out this feature to the remaining countries. This can add to the popularity of Instagram and can increase its user base significantly. 

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This will allow parents to keep track of how much time their teenager is spending on Instagram. They can even set time limits and will get notified if their child reports someone.   

Instagram announced these controls as a package of new features that are designed to make the platform a safer place.  

Although Mosseri says that the platform has been working on these safety features for “a long time,” however it is suspected that their announcement comes in the wake of damaging revelations about Meta-owned social networks.  

Most notably, Frances Haugen, a whistleblower, leaked some internal documents which revealed that Instagram was aware that its platform makes body image issues worse for its female followers teenage audience.   

Mosseri is even due to testify in front of a Senate committee this week where he will be questioned about the impact of Instagram on its young audience.  

Instagram says that it’s also developing an educational hub for parents alongside the new parental controls. This will offer them tips and tutorials about children’s social media use.  

Instagram is rolling out the “Take a Break” feature, in the more immediate future, which the company started testing last month. This opt-in feature will prompt users to put the app down once they’ve been scrolling for a set amount of time. The company will launch this feature in the US, UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, and Australia today.  

Other new safety features for teenagers include changes to Instagram tagging permissions, due to roll out by early next year.   

Mosseri’s post details all the safety features in their earlier development stages. The service will explore plans to “nudge” people away from topics they’ve been dwelling on.   

In October, after the announcement of this feature alongside Take a Break, Nick Clegg, Meta’s vice president of global affairs, said that it would kick in for “content which may not be conducive to [a user’s] wellbeing.”   

We still don’t have any indication as to when the feature might be launched. The platform is also exploring stricter control settings for recommended content in Explore. This aims to limit their exposure to “potentially harmful or sensitive content or accounts.”  

“Meta is attempting to shift attention from their mistakes by rolling out parental guides, use timers and content control features that consumer should have had all along,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), told The New York Times. “But my colleagues and I see right through what they are doing.”  

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