Threads, Twitter’s most formidable competitor, has entered the scene, creating quite a buzz in the social media world. Developed by Meta, the text-based conversation app offers a unique experience that sets it apart from its rival, Twitter. Here are ten key differences between Threads and Twitter that highlight the app’s individual identity.
1. Character Limit: While unverified Twitter users are limited to 280 characters, Threads allows users a generous 500-character count limit.
2. Instagram Compatibility: Threads requires users to have an Instagram account, providing the option to import bio information and followers from their existing Instagram profile. This integration gives the app access to Instagram’s vast user base.
3. Video Length: Threads allows users, including unverified individuals, to post videos up to five minutes in length. In contrast, Twitter restricts those without a blue badge to two minutes and 20 seconds of video content.
4. Exploration: Unlike Twitter’s homepage, which showcases trending topics and personalized recommendations, Threads currently only allows users to scroll through their home feed for exploring content.
5. Draft Saving: At the time of launch, Threads does not offer users the option to save drafts of their posts, a feature already available on Twitter.
6. Thread Creation: Creating a thread on Threads involves hitting the enter key three times, as seen in the circulated screenshots. In contrast, Twitter simplifies the process by providing a plus button for thread creation.
7. Viewing Liked Posts: Unlike Twitter, Threads does not offer a separate tab for viewing other users’ liked posts, as suggested by the screenshots.
8. Content Rules and Controls: Threads adopts the same content rules as Instagram, ensuring consistency across both platforms when it comes to muting and blocking harassing accounts.
9. Protocol and Reach: Threads sets itself apart by utilizing the ActivityPub social-networking protocol, similar to Mastodon and other decentralized social-media apps. This allows users to interact with a broader community beyond Instagram, expanding their reach.
10. Ad-Free Experience: Notably, Threads has launched without ads, a strategic move to generate excitement and draw in users, as reported by Bloomberg.
By combining these distinct features, Threads aims to carve out its place in the social media landscape while challenging the dominance of Twitter. With its compatibility with Instagram and unique characteristics, Threads offers an alternative experience for users seeking a different platform for their conversations. As this competition unfolds, it will be interesting to observe how both apps evolve and adapt to meet the ever-changing demands of their users.
