We’ve known Meta’s rival to Twitter has been on the horizon, but it looks like the new tool made an unexpected appearance earlier today.
The web interface went live for a few brief hours this morning, which was just enough time for some users to explore what will be available.
The full Threads app is expected to launch on iOS and Android tomorrow. Here's how to be one of the first involved.
A Low-Down on Threads
Threads – formally known as Instagram Threads – appears to be the most credible competitor to Twitter. With Elon Musk frustrating users and advertisers in equal measure, the appearance of a platform that can rival its experience and infrastructure has been anticipated for some time.
It’s been touted as a “text-based conversation app where communities come together”. In other words, it’s a way for users to craft and curate posts in the same way they would a tweet. But, unlike other competitor platforms such as Bluesky, users won’t be subject to invite-only access.
Meta Is the Giant to Take on Twitter
If anyone can deliver a platform like this, it’s Meta. Just take a look at the monthly active users: Facebook with 2.95bn, WhatsApp with 2.78bn, and Instagram with 1bn. Not only does the social media giant have the stability to deliver such a platform, but it has a vast amount of engaged audiences ready to test it out.
In fact, it’s been reported that users will be allowed to roll their Instagram followers over to Threads, as well as being shown suggestions on who else to follow.
Threads being available for a few hours today meant those eagle-eyed enough could get access to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s first post. A simple message that stated: ‘Let’s do this. Welcome to Threads. 🔥’. Alongside him, accounts of entrepreneur Gary Vee and Netflix were also visible.
“Let’s do this. Welcome to Threads. 🔥” – CEO Mark Zuckerberg's first post on Threads
Getting Hold of the New Platform
For iOS users who are already on Instagram, registration for Threads is simple. Just type ‘saymore’ into the search bar, tap the ticket that appears and then ‘Get Threads’. You’ll be directed to the App Store where you can pre-register.
For non-Instagram users, head straight to the App Store on 6th July and tap ‘Get App’. It will automatically install once the platform goes live.
Android users may have to wait a little longer, although actual timelines are not yet known. While a Google Play store listing is live, you can’t yet pre-register for it. Android users are able to see the invite Easter Egg (type ‘threads' into Instagram search to show a ticket icon and a personalized invitation), so perhaps it won't be too delayed.
Similarly, a desktop app is expected, although nothing official has been confirmed yet, other than it’s brief appearance earlier today. It’s likely account management will work in the same way as the Facebook and Instagram integrations have done.
Today’s teaser has given us a glimpse of Threads capabilities, and with Twitter haemorrhaging disenchanted users, the odds are stacking in Thread’s favor as a viable competitor. For now though, we can only sit and wait (one more day) to see if it rings true.
But for those tired of scrolling the social media app, read our guide to deleting Instagram here.
