A new short-form social media app called Threads has been launched by Facebook and Instagram owner, Meta, claiming to be a friendlier alternative to Twitter.
Threads
The new app offers a new, separate space for real-time updates and public conversations.
“We are working toward making Threads compatible with the open, interoperable social networks that we believe can shape the future of the internet” Meta said in a statement.
The initial version of the new social platform was built by the Instagram team for sharing with text.
Meta’s new product launches just as Twitter’s new owner Elon Musk faces mounting criticism over the ongoing changes within the Twitter app.
Thousands of loyal Twitter users have been dismayed at Musk’s constant meddling with the hugely popular app.
Most recently, Musk updated settings making it much more difficult for Twitter users to schedule posts.
Some high profile names were among those to immediately sign up to the new app, including Kim Kardashian, Gordon Ramsay and Jennifer Lopez.
Meta billionaire Mark Zuckerberg already has 491,000 followers on the new app.
There do seem to be some launch day glitches, though. When Mediashotz tried to view Zuckerberg’s Thread, we couldn’t see any content, instead just a message saying something went wrong.
Meta said the ambition with Threads is to take what Instagram does best and expand that to text, creating a positive and creative space for users to express ideas.
Just like on Instagram, with Threads you can follow and connect with friends and creators who share your interests – including the people you follow on Instagram and beyond. And you can use our existing suite of safety and user controls.
In order to get started with Threads: simply use your Instagram account to log in. Your Instagram username and verification will carry over, with the option to customise your profile specifically for Threads.
Tune Out the Noise
Meta said it built Threads with tools to enable positive, productive conversations. You can control who can mention you or reply to you within Threads.
Like on Instagram, you can add hidden words to filter out replies to your threads that contain specific words.
You can unfollow, block, restrict or report a profile on Threads by tapping the three-dot menu, and any accounts you’ve blocked on Instagram will automatically be blocked on Threads.
Meta said it is taking safety seriously, and will enforce Instagram’s Community Guidelines on content and interactions in the app.
It added that since 2016 it has invested more than $16 billion in building up the teams and technologies needed to protect its users, and said it remains focused on advancing its industry-leading integrity efforts and investments to protect its community.