New Delhi: Instagram parent company Meta on Wednesday debuted Threads, an app designed as a direct rival to Elon Musk owned social-media site Twitter.
What is Threads by Meta?
Created by Meta’s Instagram team, Threads is a platform that allows you to publish short posts or updates that are up to 500 characters.
You can include links, photos or videos up to 5 minutes long. The app is linked to your Instagram account, and according to Meta, you can “easily share a Threads post to your Instagram story, or share your post as a link on any other platform you choose.”
Your feed will include posts from people and accounts you follow on Instagram or Threads, as well as recommendations for undiscovered content.
Threads is free to use and is available to download from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
How to use Threads?
- You must have an Instagram account to join Threads, as the platform requires you to use your Instagram login credentials to sign in.
- Download the Threads app on your iOS or Android device.
- Open the app and click on “Log in with Instagram.”
- If you already have the Instagram app installed on your device, Threads will automatically log you in.
- If you don’t have the Instagram app, enter your Instagram credentials manually to complete the sign-up process
Meta’s Threads vs. Twitter
Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has a track record of emulating successful internet competitors.
Instagram’s Reels mimicked TikTok’s viral video app, and Stories imitated Snapchat’s disappearing posts. Meta has indirectly competed with Twitter by attracting high-profile users. However, the release of Threads marks Meta’s first foray into directly replicating Twitter’s look and feel.
Also, with Threads’ built-in connection to Instagram, it can make it much easier to gain users within a short period of time.