Meta’s New Social Media Entrant “Threads” Surges with 30 Million Users on Launch Day, Amplifying Twitter’s Woes.
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, Threads – Meta’s very own Twitter competitor, has finally arrived, aiming to provide a fresh alternative to disenchanted users. With its similarities to Twitter and integration with Instagram, Threads has swiftly attracted attention and amassed an impressive user base, leaving Twitter in a precarious position.
Changes in Twitter Usage
Twitter’s recent struggles have triggered a wave of frustration among its user base. The introduction of a temporary content viewing limit sparked outrage, with users decrying the platform’s handling of misleading information, harassment, and abuse. Even Elon Musk, who assumed control of Twitter last year, faced derision when he announced that free accounts would be restricted to viewing only 600 tweets per day. These controversial decisions have not only alienated users but have also significantly impacted advertising revenue, further compounding the ongoing crisis under Musk’s leadership. A survey by the Pew research center revealed the magnitude of discontent among the user base. A staggering 60% of Americans and 67% of Black users chose to take a break from the platform, while the sentiment was mirrored across various racial backgrounds, with 60% of white users and 54% of Hispanic users also seeking respite. Additionally, 25% of Twitter users have completely abandoned the platform, with 20% flocking to Meta’s Threads app as a viable alternative.
Adoption of Meta’s Threads
A significant 17% of Twitter users believe that the platform’s shares have fallen due to the prevalence of harassment and abuse. Meanwhile, 31% attribute the decline to limitations imposed on post visibility, and a staggering 61% believe that user bans have contributed to the downward spiral. Recognizing the opportune moment, Meta strategically positioned Threads as a “friendly” competitor to Twitter. The new standalone app, released for iOS and Android, allows users to log in with their existing Instagram usernames, offering a seamless transition and capitalizing on Meta’s extensive user base. This integration with Instagram, while separate from the Instagram app itself, has provided Threads with a significant advantage, attracting 30 million users within hours of its launch, including brands, celebrities, journalists, and prominent accounts. Although Threads is the latest contender in the battle for social media supremacy, it is not the first to challenge Twitter’s dominance. Decentralized platforms like Mastodon experienced initial surges in user numbers, but interest eventually waned, leaving only 1.7 million active users as of July. Bluesky, an alternative initiative, garnered attention but remains inaccessible to new users. Meanwhile, Twitter continues to stumble under Musk’s tenure, struggling to regain its footing
As the competition intensifies, the future of social media remains uncertain. Will Threads succeed in dethroning Twitter? Or will Twitter manage to overcome its technical and ethical challenges to reclaim its position at the forefront of the digital sphere? Only time will tell, but the battle for social media supremacy is far from over, and users eagerly await the next chapter in this ever-evolving narrative.