Instagram Threads app is ready to take on Twitter’s micro-blogging monopoly

Meta, the parent company behind Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, has been working on a Twitter-like app for a while now. But the company has refrained from officially sharing any information on the same. However, app store previews suggest the new app, called ‘Threads’, is almost ready. What’s more? The application is set to drop right in the apex of Twitter’s slow post-Musk decline.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming launch of Instagram Threads, and how the web may witness one of its largest platform-migration phenomena soon.

What is Threads?

Threads is an upcoming social media platform, being developed by Meta. The new platform is expected to be a short-format, micro-blogging platform similar to Twitter or Weibo. Threads will also be the fourth platform owned by Mark Zuckerberg and team following Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

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Unlike Instagram, where the focus is short-format videos and photos, Threads will be a platform that favours text, in the form of opinions, discussions and sharing creativity. “Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow,” the app’s official description states.

Threads could be launching sooner than most expected, with an App Store preview hinting at a July 6 launch. The Android version of Threads is also expected to be not very far behind. Interestingly enough, the app is titled ‘Threads, an Instagram app’, putting the new platform under Instagram’s wing and not directly Meta’s.

This is also partly because rumours suggest that Threads could build on Instagram’s existing database, allowing features for existing Instagram users like carrying over their usernames to the platform. Existing Instagram users can already set a reminder by opening the app, going to the search page and typing in ‘threads’. A red ticket icon will show up and tapping on it will show your profile card for the upcoming app.

What is going on with Twitter?

Threads is coming in at a time when its largest rival Twitter is in turmoil. Almost a year after Musk took over the world’s favourite micro-blogging platform, Twitter has the internet divided. From a new subscription-based verification program, daily tweet restrictions, a confusing view on free-speech, and TweetDeck being locked behind a paywall, Twitter users have seen it all.

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This has also triggered some Twitter users to move to other platforms like Mastodon over the past few months. However, most users continue to stick to Twitter despite the platform’s unreliability to maintain their followers and connections.

Why Threads could have Twitter users flocking over

With everything Twitter users are being put through, the need for a new platform is crucial. Both users and brands looking to advertise on the platform are keen for an alternative. This leaves a perfect window for Threads to come in. While it could be a fresh take on microblogging, Threads will also build on Instagram’s existing userbase and brand value. This could be the push many have been waiting for since Twitter’s takeover last year.

Will the launch of Threads finally be the death of Twitter? Only time will tell, but it could change which app your finger automatically gravitates towards the next time you unlock your phone and want to share a quick update from your day with friends and family.