Meta’s new microblogging platform, Threads, has quickly gained traction, boasting 100 million registered users within just a week of its global launch. The app, which is intricately linked to users’ Instagram accounts, aims to provide an alternative to platforms like Twitter, owned by Elon Musk since last year. Threads’ rapid user acquisition is largely attributed to its connection with Instagram, which has a massive user base of over 2.35 billion monthly active accounts.
Upon its release last week, Meta introduced temporary “account numbers” on Instagram to indicate users who have joined Threads. These sequential numbers also help track the application’s growth. According to a tracking website, Threads reached the 100 million milestone around 12:30 PM IST on Monday.
Despite its swift rise, Threads has limitations, lacking several features that users have come to expect from established microblogging platforms such as Twitter and Mastodon. Notable missing functionalities include direct messaging and a comprehensive search option. Meta has begun allowing users to sign up for beta tests of the Threads app on Android, giving them a chance to explore new features prior to public release.
Importantly, due to its integration with Instagram, users should be aware that deleting their Threads profile will also result in the deletion of their Instagram account. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, mentioned that the company is working on a solution to allow for separate account deletions. In the meantime, users have the option to deactivate their Threads account, which will temporarily hide their profile and posts on the platform.
Threads’ impressive user growth has reportedly raised concerns at Twitter, prompting the latter to threaten legal action against Meta for allegedly stealing trade secrets. Twitter’s allegations maintain that Meta had recruited former employees laid off by Musk’s administration and directed them to develop Threads. Musk himself has made disparaging remarks about Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently, reflecting the unease surrounding Threads’ rapid ascent.
While Threads’ user base has surged past 100 million, questions remain about the platform’s long-term engagement rates. Conversely, data from Cloudflare indicates that Twitter’s DNS rankings have suffered over the past six months, revealing a decline from January to July. Currently, Twitter sits at 184th on Cloudflare’s Top 200 Domains list, further aligning with findings from SimilarWeb demonstrating a decrease in Twitter traffic since the year’s outset.
