Threads App: Twitter Rival Application Crosses 10m Users Hours after Launch, Zuckerberg Says

• Built by Meta's Instagram team, Threads is billed as a home for "sharing text updates and joining public conversations"
• Mark Zuckerberg said Instagram account holders can log in to Threads and start having a conversation with their followers
• Earlier, Twitter's owner Elon Musk forced many people using his social media app to look for an alternative platform

USA - It's all systems go after Threads, the long-awaited Twitter rival from Meta launched with 10 million people signing up in the first few hours.

Built by the firm's Instagram team, it's billed as a home for "sharing text updates and joining public conversations".

Sky News reported that its release couldn't be more aggressively timed, coming days after another controversial move by Twitter's owner Elon Musk forced many people to look for an alternative platform.

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Why sign-up for Threads

With a similar look and the billions of Mark Zuckerberg behind it, Threads seems well-placed to challenge "the bird app" in a way the likes of Bluesky and Mastodon haven't quite managed - though a significant market remains unconvinced.

Zuckerberg said Instagram account holders can log in to Threads and start having a conversation with their followers.

Speaking after the launch on Wednesday, July 5, Zuckerberg said Thread offers a new experience around texts and ideas in users' minds.

"Big news today. We are launching Threads, an open and friendly public space for conversations. It takes the best part of Instagram and creates a whole new experience around texts, ideas, and what is on your mind," said Zuckerberg in a Facebook Reel video.

Threads receives positive feedback

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Zuckerberg noted users can sign up using their Instagram accounts, "you already have your followers there..." and after downloading the app from the play store.

He revealed the platform received overwhelming reactions from first-time users who signed up after the launch.

"I think the world needs this big and friendly community... looking forward to seeing you all there on threads. Reactions have been great for those who have tried it up," he said.

Key dates of Twitter rollercoaster ride under Musk

Previously, YEN.com.gh wrote about Elon Musk who acquired Twitter last year. He has swiftly dismissed hundreds of employees and reinstated former president Donald Trump's account, and there has hardly ever been a moment of peace.

As he looks for a means to make money for the struggling social media network, Musk wiped away the outdated procedures that had publicly validated and branded accounts.

Source: TUKO.co.ke