Instagram’s latest microblogging app, Threads, was released on the iOS App Store in the US. According to the App Store, Threads is due to be officially launched on July 6.
Instagram’s timing appears ideal given that rival Twitter had rate-limit problems over the weekend due to certain technological difficulties. Other rivals, like Spill, Bluesky, and Post, saw tremendous development in the meanwhile.
Due to its direct connection with Instagram, Threads could have an edge. Your Instagram followers and following lists are automatically imported by the program, removing the need to start again and grow your network from beginning.
Despite having a strong relationship with Instagram, Threads is a standalone application. The App Store page offers little specifics, but it appears that users may like, comment on, repost, and share content. The accompanying screenshots show how you may select the audience that can respond to your posts, whether it be everyone, individuals you follow, or just those who are specifically named in the post.
The launch of Threads reportedly isn’t a surprise because details about the program have been slowly emerging over the previous few months. Leaked slides from a meeting with leading developers revealed interoperability with Mastodon, a decentralized network built on ActivityPub, and there were references to Threads being a “decentralized” platform. It is still unclear how Threads and the centralized Instagram work together, though.
Instagram’s parent company, Meta, has had varying degrees of success with its prior side projects. Threads does have the benefit of entering the market at a time when Twitter has been experiencing persistent problems.
Conclusion:
Instagram has launched its new microblogging app, Threads, on the iOS App Store in the US. The app is expected to launch on July 6th, amidst Twitter’s rate-limit issues and other competitors like Spill, Bluesky, and Post. Threads, a standalone application, allows users to like, comment on, repost, and share content. Its launch follows leaked slides revealing interoperability with Mastodon, a decentralized network built on ActivityPub. The app’s integration with centralized Instagram is unclear, but it has the advantage of entering the market during Twitter’s ongoing issues.
Instagram’s parent company, Meta, has had varying degrees of success with its prior side projects. Threads does have the benefit of entering the market at a time when Twitter has been experiencing persistent problems.
