Instagram has released a new app called Threads, which is designed to be a text-based social media platform that competes with Twitter.
Threads, which is now available in more than 100 countries, allows users to create and join groups of up to 50 people, and share text messages, photos, videos, and stories with them.
Unlike Instagram, Threads does not have a public feed, likes, comments, or followers. Instead, it focuses on private and intimate conversations with close friends.
Instagram says Threads is a way to “stay connected to your close friends throughout the day in a dedicated space.”
Threads also has a feature called Auto Status, which automatically updates your status based on your location, movement, battery level, and network connection. For example, it can show if you are “on the move”, “low battery”, or “at home”.
You can also create your own custom statuses or turn off the feature altogether.
Threads is the latest attempt by Instagram to expand its offerings and compete with other social media platforms. In 2018, Instagram launched IGTV, a video-sharing app that rivals YouTube. In 2020, Instagram introduced Reels, a short-form video feature that mimics TikTok.
However, Threads may face some challenges in attracting users and advertisers, especially as Twitter already has a large and loyal user base. Some critics also question the need for another messaging app, as Instagram already has Direct Messages.
Additionally, Threads may raise some privacy and security concerns, as it collects and shares users’ location and activity data with Facebook, which owns Instagram.
Instagram says it will not use this data for targeted ads, and that users can control who sees their status and location. However, some users may still be wary of giving more personal information to Facebook, which has faced several scandals over its data practices.
