Meta Set to Launch Twitter rival, Threads on Thursday

COPYCATMeta Set to Launch Twitter rival, Threads on Thursday

Meta, the company behind Facebook, is set to launch its new app called Threads to compete with Twitter. The app, which can be pre-ordered on the Apple App Store, will be integrated with Instagram. Screenshots of the app reveal a dashboard similar to Twitter, and Meta describes Threads as a “text-based conversation app.”

This development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing rivalry between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter owner Elon Musk. The two even agreed to a physical fight recently, although the seriousness of their intentions remains uncertain. Musk took a jab at Zuckerberg, sarcastically commenting: “Thank goodness they’re so sanely run.”

Thank goodness they’re so sanely run
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 4, 2023

Meanwhile, Twitter announced that its popular user dashboard, TweetDeck, will soon be available only through a paywall. This move is part of Musk’s efforts to promote Twitter’s subscription service, Twitter Blue. Musk has been implementing restrictions on tweet visibility to combat “data scraping.”

In contrast, Threads, being a Meta app, is expected to be free with no restrictions on post visibility. On it’s App Store page, the app is described as “where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow.” Screenshots suggest that Threads closely resembles Twitter’s interface.

*Screenshots suggest that Threads closely resembles Twitter’s interface. | Credit: META*

While several Twitter look-alike apps have emerged recently, such as Donald Trump’s Truth Social and Mastodon, Threads poses the most significant threat to Twitter yet. Meta’s previous successes, like Reels (compared to TikTok) and Stories (similar to Snapchat), indicate the company’s ability to implement successful imitations. Furthermore, Threads will leverage the vast user base of Instagram, granting it an advantage over other contenders.

As Musk has garnered praise for his support of free speech, he has also managed to alienate some users. Zuckerberg aims to attract dissatisfied Twitter users to Threads, hoping to establish a genuine alternative to the social media giant.