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Indeed, Threads, Meta’s new app, has been criticized as a Twitter clone and accused of leveraging Instagram to attract users. However, regardless of these claims, Threads is poised to become the fastest-growing app ever, as it boasts over 30 million active users in less than 24 hours.
In a recent post by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, he shared that Threads is experiencing rapid user growth, with people flocking to the app to secure their profiles, engage in discussions, and assess its value. This progress suggests that Threads is on track to surpass ChatGPT, the current titleholder for the fastest-growing app, which achieved 100 million users in just two months earlier this year.
While a fairer comparison might be Meta’s Messenger app, which gained significant traction after Facebook began urging users to download it to maintain their message threads, it’s important to note that Messenger had already been available for several years before Meta initiated this push. Therefore, Threads appears likely to claim the crown as the fastest-growing app, projected to reach 50 million users by the weekend.
Why Is Musk Quiet?
This development may raise eyebrows among Twitter CEO Elon Musk and his supporters, who have been notably quiet about the early attention garnered by this Twitter clone. Musk’s followers have been critical of Threads’ data collection practices and its apparent censorship of users, even in its early stages.
In contrast, the new Twitter CEO, Linda Yaccarino, has defended Twitter’s unique approach, emphasizing that everyone’s voice matters on the platform.
It is premature to determine whether Threads will truly become a formidable rival for Twitter, especially considering its current functional limitations. Nevertheless, it seems to have a strong chance, particularly since Meta is leveraging Instagram’s vast user base of over a billion daily active users, dwarfing Twitter’s 250 million.
What’s In It For Users?
By not downloading the app, users risk missing out on many potential trending discussions. This aspect will also attract ad buyers, boosting Meta’s revenue potential while potentially shrinking Twitter’s market share. Additionally, concerns about brand safety and the current rate limits issue could sway users and brands toward paying for Threads. Given its trajectory, Threads may emerge victorious by continuing to evolve along its current path.
Zuckerberg hasn’t held back in taking jabs at Musk, stating, “It’ll take some time, but I think there should be a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people on it. Twitter has had the opportunity to do this but hasn’t nailed it. Hopefully, we will.”
Considering all the Twitter alternatives thus far, Threads clearly stands out as the best in terms of functionality, infrastructure, audience, and more. This assessment comes after just one day, and while there are still areas that Meta needs to improve upon.
We recommend including establishing a presence on Threads in your to-do list, at the very least, so people won’t say you live under a rock.
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