Meta’s upcoming application, Threads, has garnered attention as a potential competitor to Twitter.
The parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Meta aims to provide a centralized platform for real-time digital conversations, challenging Twitter’s dominant position.
Threads, connected to Instagram, has been described by some as a “Twitter killer.” This development comes as Twitter faces turbulence due to changes implemented by its owner, Elon Musk, including alterations to the algorithm, content moderation rules, and verification process. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, saw an opportunity amidst this turmoil and seized it by launching Threads. Meta’s executives have been contemplating ways to capitalize on Twitter’s crisis, including the creation of a rival service.
Threads, also known as Project 92, is a fast-tracked project derived from Instagram, offering users the ability to log in using their Instagram accounts. Meta has positioned Threads as a more stable alternative to Twitter, contrasting it with Mr. Musk’s unpredictable behavior. While Meta faces its own challenges, including shifting towards the metaverse and concerns about artificial intelligence, it remains a formidable competitor with a substantial user base exceeding three billion across its various platforms. Other platforms attempting to exploit Twitter’s weaknesses, such as Tumblr, Nostr, Spill, Mastodon, and Bluesky, are comparatively smaller than Meta.
The ongoing rivalry between Facebook and Twitter has revolved around capturing real-time online conversations. Facebook previously expressed interest in acquiring Twitter but was turned down. Ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Facebook emphasized live products and trending topics in political events and television broadcasts. Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are even contemplating a mixed martial arts match against each other. Although no date has been set, discussions between the two tech billionaires and Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, are shaping the event’s potential.
