Threads, the alternative to Twitter developed by Meta, was launched on July 6 and initially garnered attention as a potential replacement for Twitter. However, according to Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri, Threads is not intended as a replacement for Twitter but rather as a platform for users seeking a more positive and less contentious space for conversations.
Threads, Instagram’s new text-based messaging app, gained millions of downloads within 24 hours of its launch, and users are still exploring its features. At the time of its release, Threads also became a trending topic on Twitter, as many users were looking for an alternative platform due to recent changes implemented by Twitter, such as Rate Limiting and restricted tweet viewing for non-account holders. These changes left many users dissatisfied and searching for alternative platforms to express their thoughts. Instagram’s timely launch of Threads seemed to provide a potential solution. However, Mosseri clarifies that Threads is not intended to replace Twitter, but rather it aims to provide a less hostile environment for users.
Mosseri states that Meta’s focus is on creating a “public square for communities on Instagram that never really embraced Twitter” and for communities interested in a more amicable platform for conversations, although not entirely replicating Twitter’s experience. In essence, Meta aims to offer a less confrontational platform for users who were not particularly drawn to Elon Musk’s Twitter in the first place.
Moreover, Threads will not solely focus on world events and breaking news. Mosseri mentioned that while politics and hard news may surface on Threads, they are not actively encouraged as verticals. The CEO stated that although these topics naturally emerge on Instagram to some extent, they do not intend to emphasize them on Threads.
Additionally, Mosseri discussed how Threads could be beneficial for the existing Instagram community. Despite the ongoing circumstances, Meta saw an opportunity to build something open and beneficial for the Instagram user base.
To sign up for Threads, users can use their Instagram account credentials. After downloading the app, they will be prompted with the option to “Login with Instagram.” By selecting this option, users can enter their Instagram credentials and initiate the sign-up process. If already logged in to their Instagram account on the phone, the sign-up process will require just a single tap. Users can choose to keep their Instagram username or change it for Threads.
Once signed up through Instagram, users will be directed to their profile. They can find the “Import from Instagram” tab on the page, which will import their Instagram bio onto Threads. However, users have the option to customize their Threads bio differently if desired.
