What is Threads and is it a Threat to Twitter?

As we know, some social media appear, like BeReal, and some vanish from our eyes, like Tumblr. Some become more popular, like TikTok, and some are considered old-fashioned, like Facebook. Surprisingly, Twitter has managed to sustain its popularity and relevance for a significant period of time. Its minimalist design, centered around short messages, continues to be fashionable, contributing to the platform's thriving social media presence.

The blue bird has witnessed a whirlwind of transformations this past year, all thanks to Elon Musk's acquisition of the platform. From the introduction of paid subscriptions (Twitter Blue) with verification to revamped layoffs for Twitter employees, the changes were undeniable.

But here's the twist: many users weren't exactly thrilled with these alterations. The final straw came when users discovered they were now limited to a mere 6000 posts per day, sparking widespread frustration. People started to believe that Musk's influence would forever alter the essence of Twitter, prompting them to explore alternatives like Mastodon.

However, in the midst of this upheaval, Mark Zuckerberg extended a daring invitation to Elon Musk, challenging him to a head-to-head battle. Not stopping there, Zuckerberg's Meta even released Threads, a brand-new Twitter-like platform that promises to shake up the scene.

What is Threads?

Threads is a new app developed by the Instagram team, offering a dedicated space for sharing text updates and engaging in public conversations. Users can log in using their Instagram accounts, and posts can include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes long.

With a vision to shape the future of the internet, Meta aims to make Threads compatible with open, interoperable social networks. Mark Zuckerberg's announcement of Threads introduces a separate platform for real-time updates and public discussions, allowing users to follow friends and creators. The app incorporates existing safety and user controls, ensuring a positive and creative space for expression.

Threads provides a seamless login experience through Instagram accounts, and users under 16 (or 18 in certain countries) have private profiles by default. The feed features posts from accounts followed and recommended content from new creators. Users have control over mentions and replies, with the ability to filter out specific words and utilize safety tools like blocking or reporting profiles. Meta's plans for Threads include compatibility with the ActivityPub protocol, enabling connections with other apps such as Mastodon and WordPress.

Elon strikes back

Elon Musk's Twitter is reportedly considering legal action against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, over its newly launched social media app, Threads.

Musk's personal lawyer, Alex Spiro, sent a formal letter to Mark Zuckerberg, alleging that Meta used Twitter's trade secrets and intellectual property to develop Threads. The letter also claimed that Meta had hired former Twitter employees who had improperly retained confidential documents.

It suggested that Meta had engaged in unauthorized data scraping activities. A Meta spokesperson denied these claims, stating that no Threads engineering team members were former Twitter employees and that Threads is powered by Instagram. Musk responded to the news by emphasizing the importance of fair competition:

"Competition is fine, cheating is not."

The public tension between Musk and Zuckerberg has been escalating recently, with both trading jabs and challenges. It is worth noting that Musk previously attempted to back out of acquiring Twitter, but later accepted the deal.