Meta, the owner of Facebook, is preparing to launch its new app, Threads, as a direct competitor to Twitter. The app, currently available for pre-order on the Apple App Store, will be closely linked to Instagram. Screenshots of the app reveal a user interface resembling Twitter's dashboard, and Meta describes Threads as a "text-based conversation app."
This move intensifies the ongoing rivalry between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter owner Elon Musk. Recently, the two figures engaged in a publicized exchange, even agreeing to a physical fight, albeit with uncertain seriousness regarding the actual bout.
Elon Musk took another swipe at Zuckerberg, seemingly mocking Meta's Threads app, by sarcastically praising Twitter's management, stating, "Thank goodness they're so sanely run," in response to a tweet about Threads.
Meanwhile, Twitter announced that its popular user dashboard, TweetDeck, will be placed behind a paywall within the next 30 days. This strategic decision by Musk is part of his efforts to attract users to subscribe to Twitter's paid service, Twitter Blue. Additionally, Musk recently limited the number of tweets users can view, citing concerns over excessive "data scraping."
In contrast, it appears that Threads will offer a free service without any restrictions on post visibility, as indicated by Meta's app description on the App Store. The description highlights Threads as a platform where communities can come together to discuss a wide range of topics, both current and future trends.
Screenshots from the Threads app showcase a striking resemblance to Twitter's interface. As a Meta app, Threads will also collect various data from users' devices, including location data, purchase history, and browsing activity.
In recent years, several Twitter-like apps have emerged, such as Donald Trump's Truth Social and Mastodon. Bluesky, another similar app, reported a surge in traffic following Musk's move to restrict Twitter usage over the weekend.
However, Threads is poised to be the most significant threat Twitter has faced thus far. Mark Zuckerberg has a history of successfully adopting and implementing ideas from other companies, such as Meta's Reels (similar to TikTok) and Stories (resembling Snapchat).
With its vast resources, Meta can effectively compete with Twitter. Threads will be integrated into the Instagram platform, connecting it to hundreds of millions of existing accounts. Unlike other potential rivals, Threads will not start from scratch.
While Musk has garnered praise for his commitment to free speech, he has also alienated some users. Zuckerberg hopes to attract enough disenchanted Twitter users to establish a genuine alternative through Threads.