Threads, Connecting Us?

Threads, earlier this word had a very different meaning for the lives of people connected by the global network called ‘the Internet’. It meant a line made up of fabric usually used to connect, bind or create fabric. But now as soon as you add an ‘S’ to the earlier known word it reminds one of a social media app released on July 6 2023 as an alternative to Twitter. The blood feud between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg is well known by everyone as both entrepreneurs openly challenge each other. Amidst this, threads seems like a punch thrown by Zuckerberg and it looks like it hit the mark. 

Since its launch one week ago threads has managed to gain 100 million active users surpassing the earlier record of chat GPT who took 2 months to reach this number. Instagram itself took 2 and a half years! It seems safe to assume that Threads is a hit. It is the latest addition to the meta ecosystem which earlier comprised of Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp. Like Twitter it allows the user to tell a story through a combination of a picture and 500 characters. In reality, it looks like Twitter and Instagram had a child and that is threads.

All about Threads and the Meta Ecosystem 

Threads has been created to be compatible with Instagram and by default Meta. Just like Meta and Instagram are connected by the same messaging portal called as Messenger. Threads is also directly connected to Instagram, you can also use your insta ID to log into threads. People blocked on one platform will also be blocked on another. Threads has been created to enable productive conversations between like minded communities. This also means that Meta can track your data across the apps. 

What it means for Marketers?

Threads does not have ads or any monetization features yet. The people blue ticked on Instagram also have a blue tick on Threads but they can not boost or capitalize on the content they post. Meta Business Suite may also incorporate threads in the future but that is yet to be seen. Users are delighted by the lack of ads on the app as of now but brands on the other hand are frustrated as they are losing out on the opportunity to tap into a new audience base. 

Will threads be the next big social media network or will it burn too fast too bright? The debate around Meta stealing users private data is a never-ending one and is just becoming more prevalent with a new app in the ecosystem. Will the reality become another episode of black mirror or will remain a conspiracy?