The new Instagram starts early
Threads, an Instagram text messaging app originally slated to launch on July 6, launched almost a day early.
Screenshot from Threads.net, July 2023But the greater the enthusiasm for the app, the greater the concerns about privacy.
How to get threads
Users of the Instagram app for iOS can use the search bar for the app’s name and P92 to find a Get Threads ticket.
Screenshot from Instagram, July 2023The ticket redirects users to the App Store to download threads.
The app also appears in the Google Play Store.
Screenshot from Threads.net, July 2023The app uses Threads.net as the home page for its downloads page and public profiles. Threads.com has been in use since 2002 and now hosts a Slack alternative.
Hello, we are threads. ???? We’ve been on this topic for a while, and if you’re new here, please note that we’re not affiliated with any major social media company.
However, we are replacing Slack for today’s modern teams. Check out more below: pic.twitter.com/h7eH4lW4L9
– Threads (@threads) July 3, 2023
Sign up for threads
Once you download the app, you can log into Threads with your Instagram username.
Screenshot of Threads, July 2023Threads offers users the ability to fill out their public profile and follow the same people as they do on Instagram during the signup process.
In the Threads app
Once inside the Threads app for iOS, I can see the latest posts on my home feed, search for new people to follow, and see my latest notifications.
Screenshot of Threads, July 2023User profiles include Threads and Replies tabs.
Screenshot of Threads, July 2023Verified Instagram accounts will also show as verified in threads.
Privacy concerns related to the Threads app
Some users who downloaded the app were concerned about the app’s privacy disclaimers, which explain how a large amount of your data is linked to your identity.
Screenshot from the App Store, July 2023Privacy critics included former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who tweeted about the app’s private data requirements.
All your threads are ours https://t.co/FfrIcUng5O pic.twitter.com/V7xbMOfINt
– Jack (@jack) July 4, 2023
Others joked about how Twitter boss Elon Musk would handle the competition.
If you download Threads (Twitter’s new Meta competitor), El*n will personally hard core the algorithm to demote your tweets.
Be careful out there ????
— Logan.GPT (@OfficialLoganK) July 4, 2023
With brief replies, Musk did his part to draw attention to tweets regarding Thread’s privacy notices.
Screenshot from Twitter, July 2023This could be the reason why threads are not started at the same time as the US in the EU.
Aaron Mendes, CEO and co-founder of PrivacyHawk, commented on the privacy concerns:
“The Threads app is just disclosing the same data that it might be collecting in its main Instagram and Facebook apps. That doesn’t mean they collect it on every person. It depends on how you use the app and what you give them access to. But it’s a reminder of the depth of data Meta collects about its users and that when you use any of their services, you are the product.”
Who is in Threads?
Despite potential privacy issues, celebrities like Shakira and Gordon Ramsay already have hundreds of followers.
They join brands like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Discovery.
In addition, most of your favorite SEO enthusiasts are there too.
Threads app pre-launch promotion
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri and official Instagram account @creators used broadcast channels to announce the upcoming launch to channel members.
According to a poll on Mosseri’s IG Updates channel, over 16,000 members plan to subscribe to threads this week. Almost 14,000 followed the official @threadsapp account on Instagram.
Screenshot from Instagram, July 2023In addition to the promotion via Instagram, Threads offered a pre-order promotion via the App Store, notifying iOS users when Threads was available for download.
Influencers with early access were reportedly given guidance on what to do in the run-up to launch.
Leaked: Meta’s Early Access Guide has been sent to the developers of its Twitter Killer App threads https://t.co/Gwy0An7oHI pic.twitter.com/JzngAPiAeR
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) July 5, 2023
Topics in the years 2019 – 2021
Interestingly, this isn’t Instagram’s first attempt at developing an app called Threads.
In 2019, Instagram introduced Threads as a camera-centric messaging app for sharing photos, videos, and status updates with a close circle of friends.
Today, Facebook is launching Instagram’s Threads, a new camera-first messaging app to help you stay connected with your close friends. Learn more here: https://t.co/oMgMiKMT6Y pic.twitter.com/GbQzctLu1t
– Instagram (@instagram) October 3, 2019
This version of Threads allowed users to set up dedicated inboxes and notifications for their Instagram friends list in a standalone app.
Screenshot from Internet Archives/App Store, July 2023The app was permanently retired in 2021.
A promising Twitter alternative?
Stay tuned as we update this article with the latest thread launch information.
Featured image: wisely/Shutterstock
