Do you know Threads, the new trending app? After an extensive waiting period, Instagram’s Threads has finally materialized. This new social platform, developed by Meta and based on Instagram, is shaping up to be a solid alternative to Twitter. However, there are some important nuances to keep in mind.
It’s now available for use, and here’s how to take your first steps on Threads from scratch, whether you’re looking for an alternative to Twitter, enjoy microblogging, or are just interested in trying something new. Plus, we’ll give you an idea of what to expect from this exciting social network.
WHAT IS THREADS?
Threads is a microblogging platform, a category of social networking designed for sharing short, concise messages.
Threads combines the best of Twitter and Mastodon, offering an experience that takes advantage of both worlds. It also integrates tightly with Instagram, allowing your accounts on both platforms to work together as a cohesive whole.
Regarding the relationship between Threads and Instagram, it is relevant to mention that you are required to have an Instagram profile to use Threads. However, it is important to take into consideration that the Instagram photo app cannot be used to post your Threads. Instead, Threads has its own standalone app that you must download to access all of its features. The fact that Threads is part of Meta and linked to Instagram represents a significant advantage compared to other potential Twitter competitors.
The launch date of this social platform was July 6, 2023, and in just 7 hours it managed to reach the impressive figure of over 10 million users. This historic achievement is partly due to the unfavorable situation that Twitter was going through at the time, and is also supported by the solid user base that Instagram provides.
How Threads works
The functionality of Threads in Instagram resembles that of other microblogging networks. It allows the creation of posts that include text, photos and videos. A notable feature of Threads is its 500-character limit per post, which is similar to the philosophy of many instances of Mastodon.
In addition, you can interact with other users’ posts by replying, sharing or quoting by adding your own text along with the original post.
As part of its integration with Instagram, Threads offers a special option: the ability to directly share a post in Instagram stories. This feature facilitates greater interaction between the two platforms, allowing your Instagram followers, even those who don’t use Threads, to read your posts through the stories.
Currently, Threads has been launched in more than 100 countries, although unfortunately it is not available in any country belonging to the European Union. However, this has not prevented Spanish users from exploring and testing this platform. To access Threads, it is possible to download the application from alternative application stores to Apple’s App Store or Google Play, and then install it on the mobile device.
Why is it not yet in Europe?
Meta is under an obligation to ensure that its new platform complies with regulations before considering its arrival in Europe. It is important to note that the launch of Threads is not prohibited by European regulators, but that the DMA (Digital Markets Directive) requires the company that owns Facebook and WhatsApp to comply with regulations regarding its new social network and the features it includes.
The Digital Markets Act comprises a number of significant measures that directly impact companies such as Meta and Google, i.e. those with a strong user base and a strong economic position.
The purpose of these measures is to prevent possible abuse or exploitation by these companies of their dominant position in the market. This seeks to avoid hindering the growth of smaller competitors and to preserve fair competition in the sector.
What Threads promises
Threads’ main promise lies in its decentralized approach as a social network. In order to achieve this, it plans to implement in the future the ActivityPub protocol, the same used by Mastodon, which will allow Threads to be part of the Fediverse. This integration will enable interaction with most Mastodon instances and their users. However, it remains to be determined whether certain limits or restrictions will be placed on this interaction.
Influencer Marketing in social networks
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