Meta’s Threads App Launches Early, Offers Alternative to Twitter

Meta’s new Threads app made its debut a day earlier than expected, aiming to provide billions of users with an alternative to Twitter as frustration with the Elon Musk-acquired social media platform continues to grow.

Threads was originally slated for release at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on July 6, however, the countdown clock for Threads was moved forward to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on July 5.

Threads resemble Twitter in appearance and enable users to post messages, reply to other users, and engage with content through likes and reposts, with Meta touting it as a text-based Instagram.

The new social media platform also allows current Instagram users to carry over who they follow to the new, enabling those who already have a huge following in Instagram a head start.

Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in an Instagram post that the world needs a friendly platform, in what seems to be a jab at Twitter as hate speech on Musk’s platform is rising since his acquisition due to policy reversals.

“Our vision is to take the best parts of Instagram and create a new experience for text, ideas, and discussing what’s on your mind. I think the world needs this kind of friendly community, and I’m grateful to all of you who are part of Threads from day one,” Zuckerberg said.

Meanwhile, the premise of Threads has some social media users touting it as a potential “Twitter killer,” as those who may be dissatisfied with Twitter now have an alternative platform to go to.

Zuckerberg’s new social media platform offers a “friendly community,” and is now available in the Philippines as of writing. (GFB)