Key Aspects to know About the Threads Platform

 

Image Credit: Google

Threads, the text-based rival to Twitter, has been officially launched by Meta.

The app became available on Apple and Android app stores in over 100 countries, although its release in Europe was postponed due to concerns regarding data privacy.

Mark Zuckerberg, the Chief Executive of Meta and founder of Facebook, welcomed users to Threads in his inaugural post on the platform.

Notably, Threads currently operates without advertisements.

Here are the Key Aspects to know About the Threads Platform:

• Similarities to Twitter:

Threads shares some similarities with Twitter, featuring short text posts that can be liked, shared, and replied to.

However, there are certain word choices that have been modified, such as retweets being referred to as "reposts" and tweets being called "threads."

Posts on Threads can be up to 500 characters long, nearly double the limit of a tweet.

Additionally, they can include links, photos, and videos of up to five minutes in duration, as explained in a blog post by Meta.

• Absence of Direct Messaging:

Unlike Twitter, Threads does not include direct messaging capabilities, setting it apart from its counterpart.

• Potential as a Communication Channel:

With the uncertain future of Twitter under Elon Musk's ownership, Meta's launch of Threads raises questions about whether it can become the preferred communication channel for celebrities, companies, and politicians.

Zuckerberg expressed his hope for Threads to evolve into a platform with over one billion users engaged in public conversations, as Twitter has not fully realized this opportunity.

• Spin-off from Instagram:

Threads, despite not being a startup, seeks to attract Twitter's user base.

It is built upon the foundations of Instagram, which is owned by Meta, allowing Threads to leverage Instagram's existing audience of over two billion users.

Users can log in using their Instagram credentials and follow the same accounts, making it a seamless addition for Instagram users.

Adam Mosseri, the Chief of Instagram, highlighted the platform's focus on "public conversations" and expressed Meta's intention to incorporate features from Instagram into Threads.

• Advertising Potential:

Threads' association with Instagram has generated excitement among investors who see the potential for a pre-established user base and advertising infrastructure.

This advantage could divert significant advertising revenue from competitors like Twitter.

Privacy Concerns:

While Threads offers an alternative Twitter experience, user privacy is relatively less protected compared to its rival's platform.

Meta has faced criticism for its handling of personal data, which is utilized for targeted advertising, yielding substantial profits.

These concerns have led to the delay of Threads' entry into the European Union market due to stringent privacy regulations.

There is a rule limiting data transfer between products, which Instagram intends to navigate by integrating the ActivityPub protocol, known for powering the Mastodon server and network.

European regulators will closely monitor Meta to ensure data transfer compliance.

User Sign-ups:

Within the first four hours of launch, Threads attracted five million users, according to Zuckerberg. Notable figures such as Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Hugh Jackman, and media outlets like The Washington Post, Reuters, and The Economist had already established active accounts on the platform.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)