instagram's twitter competitor, threads, is here

introducing Instagram threads

Instagram’s rumored Twitter rival has made its appearance on the iOS App Store, launching on July 6, 2023. The App Store listing reveals that the app named Threads is already optimized for iPhones. Previously, a similar version of Threads appeared on Google Play for Android users, providing a glimpse of the app through screenshots and initial details, although an exact release date was not mentioned.

This debut couldn’t have come at a better time: During the first weekend of July 2023, Twitter implemented restrictions on the number of daily tweets various accounts can read, aiming to curb ‘extreme levels’ of data scraping and system manipulation, following Elon Musk’s takeover and multiple changes on the famed app. Consequently, this has provided an opportunity for rival apps like Spill, Bluesky, and Post to witness significant growth.

Threads users can tap into their existing Instagram communities, eliminating the need to start from scratch | all images courtesy of Apple Store

‘where communities come together to discuss everything’

The new Threads app appears to have a notable edge over other Twitter competitors. Its key advantage lies in its seamless integration with Instagram, allowing users to effortlessly connect with their existing followers and following lists on the platform. This unique feature eliminates the tedious process of building a new user base from scratch. By leveraging this built-in community, Threads establishes a strong position in the competitive landscape and ensures a more streamlined user experience. In addition, according to an official Instagram announcement, users can log in to Threads by using their Instagram account, while their posts can be up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length.

The official description on the App Store listing, mentions: ‘Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow. Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things — or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions, and creativity with the world.’

An official announcement by Instagram was also issued on July 6th, 2023, which fully explains Threads’ concept and intention: ‘Instagram is where billions of people around the world connect over photos and videos. Our vision with Threads is to take what Instagram does best and expand that to text, creating a positive and creative space to express your ideas. Just like on Instagram, with Threads you can follow and connect with friends and creators who share your interests – including the people you follow on Instagram and beyond.’

‘Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow’