Is it possible to engage with Threads without using Instagram?
Presently, only Instagram users have access to Threads accounts. To utilize Threads, you’ll need to register on Instagram first.
Despite potential resistance, Forrester’s VP and research director, Mike Proulx, praised Meta’s strategy of integrating Threads with Instagram.
According to Proulx, this approach generates interest, as Instagram users receive alerts about their followers joining Threads, prompting more sign-ups.
This led to over 10 million sign-ups within seven hours of Threads’ launch.
However, Proulx emphasized the importance of sustaining interest beyond the initial phase, stating that the long-term adoption of Threads will determine its success or failure
Source: ghacks
Is it possible to utilize threads without relying on Instagram?
Threads and Instagram Integration
Currently, Threads necessitates an Instagram account for sign-up and usage.
Your Instagram username automatically becomes your Threads handle, while your Instagram account name serves as your display name on Threads.
Workarounds for Accessing Threads
a. Create a Dedicated Instagram Account
– If you’re averse to excessive scrolling and only want access to Threads, create a separate Instagram account solely for this purpose.
– Download the Instagram app, sign up with your email or phone number, and provide basic details.
– Use Threads with this account and delete the Instagram app if desired.
b. Access Threads via the Web
– Although interaction is limited, anyone can visit threads.net to view public Threads profiles and posts.
– To read posts from a specific user, add their @ handle to the web address (e.g., threads.net/@username) for read-only access.
Threads’ Similarities to Twitter
Threads offers a microblogging experience akin to Twitter.
Users can repost, reply to, or quote a thread, view post engagement metrics (likes, replies), and compose up to 500 characters per post.
Supported content includes links, photos, and videos up to five minutes long.
Key Insights from Zuckerberg on Threads’ Success
Zuckerberg emphasizes creating a “friendly place” within Threads as pivotal for its success.
He highlights this as a distinguishing factor from Twitter’s challenges, suggesting that fostering a welcoming environment is crucial for sustained growth and user engagement.
Is Twitter seeking legal action against Meta?
Semafor obtained a letter on Thursday indicating that Twitter has issued a legal threat against Meta regarding Threads. The letter, directed to Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg and dated Wednesday, was from Alex Spiro, representing Twitter. It accused Meta of unlawfully utilizing Twitter’s trade secrets and intellectual property by hiring ex-Twitter employees to develop a “copycat” app.
In response, Meta’s spokesperson Andy Stone stated on Thursday afternoon that none of the Threads engineering team comprises former Twitter employees.
While Musk hasn’t directly mentioned potential legal action, he has responded to several sarcastic remarks about Threads’ launch. In one instance, Musk replied to a tweet implying that Meta’s app was constructed mainly by copying and pasting, using a laughing emoji.
Although Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino hasn’t publicly commented on Wednesday’s letter, a Thursday tweet seemingly hinted at Threads’ launch, emphasizing that “the Twitter community can never be duplicated.
How does threads moderate content?
As per Meta, Threads intends to implement identical safety measures as those employed on Instagram.
This involves upholding Instagram’s community guidelines and offering tools to manage interactions like mentions and replies.
Additionally, the use of content warnings, such as for search queries related to conspiracy theory groups or misleading information about COVID-19 vaccines, seems to mirror the approach taken on Instagram.
What’s the future for Threads?
Threads’ success isn’t assured.
Observers highlight Meta’s history of launching standalone apps that were eventually discontinued, including a prior Instagram messaging app, also named “Threads,” which ceased operations within two years of its 2019 introduction, as noted by Proulx.
Despite uncertainties, Proulx and others suggest that the new app could pose significant challenges for Musk and Twitter.
Paolo Pescatore, a technology analyst at PP Foresight, anticipates that although the initial excitement surrounding the new service may wane, this alternative seems poised to persist and compete effectively against Twitter.
Pescatore emphasizes the potential of combining Twitter-style functionalities with Instagram’s interface to drive user engagement.
However, Threads is still in its early phase, and its success hinges greatly on user feedback.
Pescatore believes that the strong connection between Instagram and Threads might not resonate with everyone. Additionally, the introduction of new features will be pivotal.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, acknowledged in a Threads post that there are significant missing elements, such as hashtags and direct messaging between users, which users have already highlighted.
He emphasized that while building hype is one thing, the true test lies in the app’s ability to provide sustained value over time.
Mosseri also admitted that addressing these shortcomings will require time.