Threads Explodes Within Hours of Debut
By: Jeremy Brandspiegel
Threads vs. Twitter. Zuckerberg vs. Musk.
Originally supposed to be released on July 6th, Threads made its debut a day early on July 5th at 7 PM EST, according to CBS News. The app offers people around the world an alternative to Twitter. Within the first two hours of being released, Threads had 2 million subscribers according to Threads creator, Mark Zuckerberg who posted on the new app.
Leading up to the release of Threads, it has been referred to as the “Twitter Killer." Many experts expect people to favor Threads over Twitter as frustration with Twitter owner, Elon Musk, rises due to many changes he has implemented on the social media platform such as being able to read a limited about of posts per day.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, said, “The idea is to hopefully build an open, friendly space for communities.”
Over the past few years, Instagram has attempted to simplify the app, but pivoted to creating an entirely new application according to the Boston Globe. Threads is nearly identical to Twitter as it lets users post messages, interact with others, as well as like and repost messages. Threads also connects to Instagram to allow people to follow the same accounts, which can allow people to increase their followers on the new social media platform very quickly. Users can sign up by linking Threads to their Instagram account.
"Our vision is to take the best parts of Instagram and create a new experience for text, ideas and discussing what's on your mind," Meta Founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, wrote on Instagram.
While some features, such as direct messaging are not yet available on Threads, Instagram did announce that they do intend to add features as users provide feedback.
Within just a few hours, Threads has exploded as it attempts to become the next big social media platform. While it may take time for the new platform to seriously compete with Twitter, the first few hours indicate that it may not take as long as anticipated.