Here are some key things to know about Instagram’s new app, Threads:
1. Launch Date: Instagram Threads is expected to launch on July 6th, according to the App Store listing for the app. There are indications of an early listing on the Google Play Store as well.
2. Teaser in Instagram App: Typing “threads” into the search box in the Instagram app reveals a ticket icon on the search bar, indicating the launch of Threads. Tapping the icon displays a spinning ticket with a QR code that leads to threads.net, the app’s web portal.
3. Description: Threads is described as Instagram’s text-based conversation app, where communities can come together to discuss various topics. It emphasizes connecting with favorite creators, like-minded individuals, and sharing ideas, opinions, and creativity.
4. Integration with Mastodon: Instagram Threads will integrate with Mastodon’s decentralized social media protocol called ActivityPub. This integration was mentioned in a companywide meeting and suggests a move towards a sanely run platform, according to an executive.
5. User Interface: Screenshots of the app show a similar interface to Twitter, Mastodon, and other text-focused social apps. Users can log in with their Instagram handle, find the accounts they follow, and post text-based content.
6. Meta’s Data Collection: The App Store listing for Threads indicates that Meta may collect certain user data. Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey made remarks on Twitter regarding the data collection practices of Meta’s Threads app.
7. Competitor Twitter: The launch of Threads coincides with a turbulent period for Twitter. Twitter implemented changes that limited access for unregistered users and imposed rate limits for logged-in users. This led to issues with browsing the service.
8. Changes to TweetDeck: Twitter is also making major changes to its TweetDeck tool, used by journalists and social media professionals, following issues related to data scraping and strain on the app. TweetDeck is scheduled to become a paid feature.
9. Bluesky: Some users turned to Bluesky, another social media platform, over the holiday weekend. However, Bluesky temporarily halted new user signups to address issues caused by a surge in app traffic.
10. Reactions from Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey: Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey responded to the news of Threads’ launch date. Musk commented on Meta’s data collection practices, while Dorsey made a remark about data ownership.
