Meta, the owner of Facebook, is gearing up to launch a Twitter-like app called Threads to directly compete with Twitter. The app is scheduled to go live on Thursday in the United States and on Friday for the rest of the world. It can be pre-ordered on the Apple App Store. Threads will be integrated with Instagram, offering a text-based conversation experience. Images of the app’s dashboard reveal a resemblance to Twitter’s interface. The launch of Threads adds to the ongoing rivalry between Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and Twitter’s owner, Elon Musk.
In a recent development, Zuckerberg and Musk agreed to engage in a physical fight, although the seriousness of their intentions remains uncertain. Musk took a swipe at Zuckerberg, referring to Threads and commenting on Twitter’s management. Meanwhile, Twitter announced that its popular user dashboard, TweetDeck, will become a paid service in 30 days, as part of Musk’s efforts to promote Twitter Blue, the subscription-based service. Musk also recently limited the number of tweets users can view, citing data scraping concerns.
Meta’s Threads app appears to be free of charge, with no restrictions on post visibility. Described as a platform where communities gather to discuss various topics, Threads is likely to pose a significant challenge to Twitter. The app’s screenshots indicate a close resemblance to Twitter’s interface. As a Meta app, Threads will collect data from users’ devices, including location data, purchases, and browsing history.
Several apps that closely resemble Twitter, such as Donald Trump’s Truth Social and Mastodon, have emerged in recent years. Bluesky, another similar platform, reported a surge in traffic following Musk’s tweet restriction. However, Threads has the potential to become Twitter’s most formidable competitor to date.
Zuckerberg has a history of adopting successful ideas from other companies, as seen with Meta’s Reels (similar to TikTok) and Stories (resembling Snapchat). With Meta’s vast resources and Threads being integrated into the Instagram platform, connected to millions of existing accounts, the app has an advantage over other aspiring rivals, as it does not need to start from scratch.
While Musk has received praise for his support of free speech, he has also alienated some users. Zuckerberg aims to attract disenchanted Twitter users to Threads, offering them a genuine alternative.
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