Meta launches new social media platform Threads

Luke Meredith

After months of speculation regarding the launch of a text-based social media app to rival Twitter, Meta has officially launched Threads, which the company is calling “Instagram’s text-based conversation app”.

According to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Threads serves as a “friendly” alternative to the ongoing controversy of Twitter, which most recently endured a chaotic weekend where the app’s functionality appeared to shut down altogether. Launching Threads in the early hours of this morning, Zuckerberg says that over 10 million users signed up to the app in its first seven hours.

The app is available to download in the UK, though it has not been released in the EU due to regulatory concerns. Already, a number of concerns have been raised about the app, including from former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, in regard to Threads’ privacy and data collection policies, which suggest the app may be used to collect health and financial data, among other data points.

All your Threads are belong to us https://t.co/FfrIcUng5O pic.twitter.com/V7xbMOfINt

— jack (@jack) July 4, 2023

While Threads is a separate app, users sign up for the platform using their Instagram account. Although users are able to customise their Threads account and Instagram separately, those who have already decided the new app isn’t for them have discovered that you can’t delete your Threads account without deleting your Instagram account too, so be sure to think carefully about whether you want a Threads account at all.

I deactivated my threads account already but it turns out you can’t delete your threads account *without also deleting your Instagram account* so maybe just don’t sign up!

— emily hughes ✨ (@emilyhughes) July 6, 2023

With an increasing number of disgruntled Twitter users appearing to seek an alternative text-based social media platform to use, the emergence of Threads may cause serious problems for owner Elon Musk.

It remains to be seen whether Threads will become a viable hub for businesses to reach their target audiences online. However, with the rate in which users are joining the platform, now may be the perfect time to start sharing content and marketing your business on Threads. If you do join, be sure to drop us a follow – we’re @engageweb over on Threads.

If you’re looking to conquer the world of social media and online content, our next Social Media and Content Masterclass, taking place on Friday, July 28, can help you do exactly that.

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Luke Meredith

Content Editor at Engage Web

At home in both the digital sector and the world of communications, Luke thrives on deadlines and has held roles in healthcare, retail and digital marketing, gaining a sound knowledge of a wide range of sectors. He’s a massive swot as well, holding a first-class degree in BA Communication and Media, and now uses his writing skills and keen editorial eye in his role as Content Editor here. Luke helps to oversee our clients’ content requirements, while also looking after a pool of freelance writers across three continents.

Meta launches new social media platform Threads