Amid Twitter’s dwindling dominance, other social media behemoths like Meta are eager to fill the gap. Meta is introducing Threads, a platform that lets users generate and engage in discussions, akin to Twitter’s system. Recently, we had a glimpse of the workings of Threads when user profiles accidentally went live on its website prematurely.
This morning, Threads.net was publicly accessible, showcasing conversations and profiles for a period over an hour. However, by 10AM ET, the site reverted back to the countdown for its official debut in the US and UK, set for June 6th.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, used his inaugural posts to elucidate the functions and purpose of Threads, which also comprised an image that showed how to restrict replies. “Our endeavor is to foster an open, civil space for engaging discussions. We still have a lot to work on,” Mosseri expressed in his first post. Threads users will have the capacity to Repost (similar to Retweet) individual threads and share them.
Threads plans to incorporate Fediverse integration eventually, enabling users to follow and engage with users on other platforms such as Mastodon. Mosseri confirmed Meta’s commitment to support the ActivityPub protocol, though its integration couldn’t be completed before the launch. “It might be possible that you decide to leave Threads or, worse, get de-platformed,” explained the Instagram chief. “If that ever happens, we want to ensure you can migrate your audience to a different server. An open system allows that.”
Threads
Notable figures like Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Mosseri, celebrities like Shakira and Gordon Ramsey, and various influencers have been given priority access to Threads, resulting in a limited initial user base. Consequently, most profiles have only a few hundred followers, with Zuckerberg and Mosseri boasting a few thousand.
Threads will be accessible via the web and for download from the App Store and Google Play Store from July 6th morning in the US and UK. However, it won’t yet be available throughout the rest of Europe, probably owing to stringent EU data privacy regulations. Meanwhile, Meta’s team doesn’t shy away from self-congratulation, nor from subtly criticizing Twitter, as evidenced by Meta product designer Peter Franko’s initial post on the platform.
Threads
Update July 5th, 2023, 11:40 AM ET: This article has been updated to state that Threads’ conversations and profiles are no longer available for public viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Meta’s Threads Platform
What is Meta’s Threads?
Meta’s Threads is a new social media platform that allows users to generate and engage in discussions, similar to Twitter’s system.
When was Meta’s Threads publicly accessible for a short duration?
Meta’s Threads platform went live for over an hour on an unspecified morning before returning to a countdown to its official launch.
When is Meta’s Threads officially launching in the US and UK?
The official launch of Meta’s Threads in the US and UK is set for June 6th.
What unique feature does Meta’s Threads plan to incorporate?
Threads plans to incorporate Fediverse integration eventually, enabling users to follow and engage with users on other platforms such as Mastodon.
Will Meta’s Threads be available in Europe at launch?
At the time of launch, Meta’s Threads won’t be available throughout the rest of Europe, probably due to stringent EU data privacy regulations.
Where can Meta’s Threads be accessed from on the day of its launch?
On the day of its launch, Threads will be accessible via the web and for download from the App Store and Google Play Store.
More about Meta’s Threads Platform
- Twitter’s Declining Influence
- Introduction to Meta’s Threads
- Understanding Fediverse Integration
- EU Data Privacy Regulations
- Downloading Threads from the App Store
- Downloading Threads from Google Play Store
8 comments
Another wannabe twitter platform, not impressed! They can’t beat the original.
Fediverse integration is huge! Meta is finally seeing the potential. though still, a bit skeptical.
So, Threads is basically Twitter 2.0 from Meta, right? Still, i like the idea of Fediverse integration… could be a game changer.
Why isnt this available in Europe at launch? yet another case of big tech not respecting data privacy laws…
Can’t wait to download Threads! Seems like a fresh take on social media interaction. See you guys there? lol.
Interesting to see Instagram’s Mosseri leading this. Really curious to see what he’s got up his sleeve this time.
Mark is on Threads, eh? bet his follower count will be in millions within the first week. no one can resist following the Zuck!
Wow, Threads sounds cool! Anybody knows what time it’ll go live in the UK? Don’t want to miss out!