Have you downloaded the new app yet? Well, I have, obviously, to understand the fuss.
Mark Zuckerberg added a new App to his Meta empire, that made Elon Musk’s and Twitter fans worry about Twitter’s existence because of its imitated Twitter features, or it’s almost okay to call it “Twitter by Instagram”.
Although it has been launched to compete with Twitter, the two seemingly have many differences too, or maybe Threads has not yet gotten all the features.
Either way, we are going to look into all the similarities and differences between the two and the ongoing rivalry behind them. Since it’s certainly not any type of animation, I won’t ask you to get popcorn.
Why launch Threads?
Offering a space for real-time conversations online has always been the core selling point of Twitter. Apparently, Threads by Instagram is also intended to provide a safe and secure space for people to express their ideas and share them through texts.
Now let’s dive into the core reason for its launch.
Meta’s new platform, Threads, is launched in competition with Elon Musk’s social media platform, Twitter.
It aims to take the place of Twitter, which has drawn criticism for the updates made since Elon Musk bought the service.
You may post threads, respond to comments, and follow material from various accounts on the new app, which connects directly to Instagram.
Threads and Instagram
Unlike Twitter, Threads is linked to another social app i.e. Instagram, and you cannot have access to it without having an active Instagram account. You can log in to Threads simply by using your Instagram account, and it picks your data from there.
Once logged in you’ll be shown a list of people and friends you follow on Instagram that you can also follow on Threads.
Moreover, the people you’ve blocked on Instagram will also be automatically blocked on Threads. Pretty safe no? The App also imports your bio, username, and your Instagram settings. It’s like an already-created space, you just gotta be there.
Let’s look into the differences, the two Apps hold.
Character Limit
Instagram Threads have a limit of 500 characters. In the case of Twitter, it’s 280 characters, but this limit is eliminated when you pay for Twitter Blue.
Video length
On Twitter, the maximum video length is 2 minutes and 20 seconds. For Threads, the length extends to 5 minutes.
Features
Since Threads has only recently been launched, it lacks many features that Twitter possesses, these include; live audio rooms, hashtags,
Feed/Timeline
Twitter provides separate feeds such as “for you” and “following”, while Threads lack this feature and does not allow its users to have a specialized feed to display only the content from people they follow, but a mixed one that shows recommended content too.
Likes
You can easily see the likes of other Twitter users by visiting their profiles, however, Meta’s solution does not allow this feature.
Meta’s platforms allow users to hide their likes, while Elon Musk’s social media platform doesn’t.
Direct messaging
Threads does not support DMs or at least not currently. The best way to get in touch with another user is to search for them on Instagram and send them a message there.
Web version
Twitter has a web version too, you can have access to your account using your laptop or PC too.
In the case of threads, you can only view accounts using a direct link on the web but cannot access your account and compose threads. It currently only has the App version.
Threads are very much similar to the blue bird’s network
Both platforms offer a system where users can follow other users to see their posts and updates. On Twitter, users can follow accounts, while on Threads, users can follow specific threads.
Elon Musk vs Mark Zuckerberg
We all know their rivalry goes way back, clashing over topics like artificial intelligence and rockets for over 6 years, the launch of Twitter competitor has only served to exacerbate the feud between the two billionaires. A possible cage fight might happen between the two and the fans are psyched!
Another purpose, the launch of this new thing served is to provide fuel to, I would say, meme pages.
Oh no! Is it the end of Twitter?
No, don’t Fret team Twitter! for as long as Threads continue to lack all those fabulous features.
However, Threads is seeking to replace Twitter, and you all still have a choice to go for what suits you the best!
Thank you for reading.