Threads vs Twitter
Threads, a product of Meta and integrated with your Instagram account, emerges as another competitor to Twitter. Both Threads and Twitter are social media platforms that allow users to share content and interact with others. They provide a platform for users to express their thoughts, opinions, and engage in conversations with a wider audience. Additionally, both platforms enable users to follow other accounts, receive updates from those accounts, and engage with the content through likes, comments, and retweets. While there are differences between Threads and Twitter, such as the requirement of an Instagram account for Threads and the character limit variations, they share common ground as popular social media platforms that connect people and facilitate online interactions.
Joining the ranks of BlueSky Social, Threads enters the social media arena as the newest challenger to Twitter. Developed by Meta, the company responsible for Facebook and Instagram, Threads has already garnered five million sign-ups within a mere four hours of its launch on Thursday, July 6th, according to CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
So, what sets Threads apart? In this analysis, we will explore the significant distinctions between Threads and Twitter to determine if it lives up to its considerable buzz.
Threads Needs an Instagram Account.
In order to use Threads, having an Instagram account is a prerequisite. Threads is an application developed by Meta, the same company behind several popular apps such as Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp. To create a Threads account, it is necessary to have an existing Instagram account. Additionally, Threads offers the option to import essential details like verification status, bio, and friends from Instagram.
On the other hand, Twitter has a distinct approach. It solely requires an email address or phone number for registration and does not have inherent connections with other social media platforms.
Threads has been Launched without the Inclusion of Advertisements
Threads launched with no ads for its users, but since the platform is still very much in its early infancy, we can’t expect it to stay that way for too long. Meta has stated that ads may appear on the platform at some stage, which would line up with the advertisements shown on apps like Facebook and Instagram. Twitter does feature apps on its platform in different formats. Ads on Twitter appear with a ‘Promoted’ icon and can be Promoted Ads, Follower Ads or Trend Takeover. Even users that are verified see ads on Twitter, making it a vital part of the platform.
In the Case of Verified Accounts, Twitter Allows for A Higher Word Count Compared to Threads
Meta confirmed that Threads posts will have up to a 500-character count limit. While it’s not yet known if verified users will have access to a higher character limit, we do know that verified Instagram users will be automatically verified on Threads. Twitter has kicked up a storm recently with its new Twitter Blue subscription service, which now requires users to pay a monthly fee to see the coveted Blue Tick verification. Unverified users on Twitter can post up to 280 characters, while verified accounts can include up to 25,000 characters per post.
Threads Lacks a Dedicated Desktop Application at Present
Threads is exclusively accessible through mobile devices running on Android and iOS, limiting its availability to smartphones and tablets. Consequently, utilizing Threads on desktop PCs and laptops, which may be the primary means of engaging with social media for some individuals, is not possible.
In contrast, Twitter does not impose such constraints. It can be accessed through its mobile applications available for both Android and iOS, as well as through web browsers. This flexibility allows users to log into the platform using Mac and PC devices without any limitations.
Threads Does Not Support GIFs or Direct Messages
Upon its initial release, Threads disappointingly lacks several fundamental features. Most notably, it does not support direct messaging, thus preventing users from engaging in private conversations with others. It is reasonable to anticipate that Meta is actively working on implementing this feature, considering its availability on Instagram, a platform also owned by Meta.
Furthermore, Threads currently does not offer support for GIFs when composing new posts. Presently, users are limited to utilizing text, images, and videos in their posts. However, it is likely that Meta will introduce this feature to the platform in due course. Nevertheless, this limitation underscores the considerable disparity in functionality between Threads and Twitter, as the former lacks many features that the latter provides.
Twitter Includes A Prominent Feature Known as “Trending.”
Threads, in its current state, is relatively basic, lacking the ability to view trending topics or users. Upon signing up, users are greeted with a typical scrolling experience commonly found in social media apps, along with a search bar.
On the other hand, Twitter is renowned for its Trending feature, which showcases popular topics both locally and globally. This feature greatly facilitates the discovery of new users on the platform. It is anticipated that Threads will enhance its app over time, potentially incorporating features that make it easier to search for new topics and users.
