“Threads: Meta’s New Text-Based App Challenges Twitter with Unique Features”
In the realm of social media platforms, Threads, Meta’s latest offering, has emerged as a formidable competitor to Twitter. While some may claim it is a mere copycat, there are notable distinctions that could help Threads carve out its own unique identity in the market.
In the realm of social media platforms, Threads, Meta’s latest offering, has emerged as a formidable competitor to Twitter. While some may claim it is a mere copycat, there are notable distinctions that could help Threads carve out its own unique identity in the market.
Created by Meta, Threads allows users to engage in real-time text-based conversations and share messages seamlessly. Here are ten key differences that set Threads apart from its rival, Twitter:
- Character Limit: Meta has confirmed that Threads will provide users with a 500-character count limit, whereas unverified Twitter users are restricted to a maximum of 280 characters. Additionally, verified Instagram accounts can retain their blue badge on Threads, unlike Twitter, which offers this feature for a monthly fee of $8, allowing subscribers to increase their character limit to 25,000. So far, Meta has not introduced a similar option.
- Instagram Account Requirement: Threads requires users to have an existing Instagram account. During the profile creation process, the app offers the option to import bio information and followers from their Instagram profiles. This integration favors Threads by leveraging Instagram’s substantial user base.
- Video Length: Threads allows users, including unverified ones, to post videos up to five minutes long. In contrast, Twitter limits those without the coveted blue badge to videos of only two minutes and 20 seconds.
- Content Discovery: While Twitter’s homepage provides users with trending topics and personalized recommendations, Threads currently relies solely on scrolling through the home feed for content exploration.
- Draft Saving: As of its recent launch, Threads does not appear to offer an option to save drafts of posts, a feature already available on Twitter.
- Thread Creation: Screenshots circulating online indicate that starting a thread on Threads requires pressing the enter key three times. In contrast, Twitter allows users to initiate a thread with a simple click on the plus button.
- Likes Viewing: Unlike Twitter, which presents the likes of other profiles as a separate tab, Threads does not seem to offer this feature based on available screenshots.
- Content Rules: Threads adheres to the same content regulations as Instagram, including controls for muting and blocking harassing accounts.
- Social-Networking Protocol: According to Connor Hayes, Meta’s Vice President of Product, Threads is built on the ActivityPub social-networking protocol, shared by decentralized social-media apps like Mastodon. This means that individuals who build followings on Threads will eventually be able to interact with a wider community beyond Instagram.
- Advertising Absence: Threads has launched without ads, a strategic move aimed at generating excitement and garnering a substantial user base, as reported by Bloomberg.
As Threads enters the social media landscape, it presents itself as a distinct alternative to Twitter, offering unique features such as character limits, video length, and integration with Instagram. Meta’s emphasis on the ActivityPub protocol further highlights the platform’s potential for building communities beyond Instagram. As the rivalry between Threads and Twitter unfolds, users can expect an evolving landscape with new possibilities for social engagement and online conversations.
Sources By Agencies
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