Meta’s latest app resembles its rival and requires an Instagram account for access
According to Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, Threads, their response to Twitter, attracted five million sign-ups within four hours of its Thursday launch. What can we anticipate from this app?
What is the functioning mechanism of Threads?
Threads offers the option to sign up using your Instagram credentials, enabling you to automatically follow the same accounts you already follow on Instagram as they join Threads. The platform allows you to share posts consisting of up to 500 characters, including images, gifs, and videos lasting up to five minutes. Threads bears resemblance to Twitter in terms of its concise, text-based content, as well as features like likes, reposts, and the ability to quote a thread akin to quote tweeting.
Why does my feed display individuals whom I haven’t followed?
Shortly after its launch, Threads has faced criticism due to the inclusion of posts from both followed accounts and random accounts in users’ feeds. Meta has clarified that this mixture is a result of a combination of followed accounts and algorithmic recommendations. Currently, there is no option to exclusively view posts from the accounts one follows, and it remains uncertain whether the company will introduce this feature in the future.
Is it possible to send direct messages (DMs) on Threads?
Currently, there is no functionality to directly message other users on Threads, which might be a source of relief for some.
Is it possible to maintain my Instagram account as private while having a public Threads account?
Certainly! If you prefer to maintain a more personal Instagram account, you can keep it private while keeping Threads public. However, please note that if you’re under 16, both your Threads and Instagram accounts will be private by default. You have the flexibility to make your Threads account private whenever you like, and you can also specify who can reply to your posts on Threads.
Is there a plan to introduce a ‘close friends’ feature similar to Instagram on Threads?
Currently, there are no immediate plans to implement a ‘close friends’ feature on Threads. However, if you desire a more restricted audience, you have the option to switch your profile to private, allowing only your followers to view your threads.
What are the available methods to access Threads?
At present, Threads can only be accessed through the iOS or Android mobile apps. There is no desktop version available at this time, and Meta has not provided any information regarding the potential release of a desktop version in the future.
Are there any plans to incorporate advertisements on Threads?
Meta has stated that there are no current plans to monetize Threads this year, but they have not ruled out the possibility of introducing ads at a later time.
Is it possible to obtain a different username on Threads?
Currently, Meta allows users to log in to Threads exclusively with their Instagram credentials, and the username they have on their Instagram account will be retained for Threads as well. This is advantageous for accounts concerned about the possibility of someone else claiming their username.
Is it possible to discover and connect with followers from other social media platforms on Threads?
Currently, Threads does not support finding followers from other social media platforms. However, Meta aims to make the app comparable to platforms like Mastodon, emphasizing decentralization and enabling users to transfer their accounts to other platforms.
The company is actively working on making Threads compatible with ActivityPub, which facilitates interoperability among social networks. This compatibility would allow Threads users to migrate their accounts and followers to other applications supported by ActivityPub.
What is the reason behind the non-launch of Threads in the EU?
According to sources from Meta, the delay of Threads’ launch in the European Union is attributed to regulatory factors. Concerns have been raised regarding the app’s compliance with stringent EU data privacy regulations.
Privacy advocates have expressed apprehension about Threads due to the extensive range of personal information it can gather. The app’s data privacy disclosure on the App Store reveals that it has the potential to collect various types of data, including health, financial details, contacts, browsing and search history, location data, purchases, and sensitive information. This has further fueled concerns among privacy advocates.