Threads.net What is it?

Threads.net What is it?
Posted on 07-07-2023

Threads.net What is it?

Threads is an online social media and social networking service owned by Meta Platforms, an American company. It is designed to work alongside Instagram, requiring users to have an Instagram account and use the same handle. Seen as a direct competitor to Twitter, Threads allows users to post text and images, engage with posts through replies and likes, and connect with others.

In light of Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, Meta employees discussed expanding the rollout of Instagram Notes, an upcoming text-based feature for Instagram. Additionally, there were internal discussions about creating a separate app focused on text-based content. Development on Threads, initially known as "Project 92," began in January 2023. Information about Threads was shared in March, and in June, details from an internal company-wide meeting were published by The Verge. Further insights into Threads emerged in July, and Meta Platforms released the app on the Apple App Store on July 3, with a planned release date of July 6. Threads officially launched on July 5 in 100 countries, excluding the European Union.

Threads is a newly developed app created by the Instagram team that focuses on sharing text updates and participating in public conversations. Users can access the app by logging in with their Instagram account. The app allows posts with a maximum length of 500 characters and supports various types of content, including links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes long.

In addition to its current functionality, there are plans to make Threads compatible with open and interoperable social networks in the future. This indicates a commitment to embracing the potential of collaborative and interconnected platforms that can influence the future of the internet.

It's worth noting that this information is based on the details provided and may not include all the features or future developments of Threads.

Mark Zuckerberg recently announced the initial version of Threads, a new app developed by the Instagram team. Threads aims to provide users with a dedicated platform for sharing text-based content, allowing for real-time updates and public conversations. The ultimate goal is to make Threads compatible with open and interoperable social networks, which are believed to have the potential to shape the future of the internet.

While Instagram is primarily known for photo and video sharing, Threads seeks to leverage Instagram's strengths and expand them to the realm of text-based content. The app aims to create a positive and creative space for users to express their ideas. Similar to Instagram, Threads allows users to follow and connect with friends and creators who share their interests, extending beyond the boundaries of the Instagram platform. Users can utilize the existing safety and user controls provided by Instagram.

Getting started with Threads is seamless as users can log in using their Instagram account. By doing so, their Instagram username and verification will automatically carry over to Threads, with the added option to customize their profile specifically for the Threads app.

Threads has implemented privacy measures for users under the age of 16 (or under 18 in specific countries). By default, these users will have a private profile upon joining the app. This ensures that their content and interactions are limited to a select audience.

Similar to Instagram, users on Threads have the option to follow the same accounts they do on Instagram. This allows for a seamless transition and the ability to connect with friends, creators, and individuals who share similar interests. Additionally, users can discover and engage with more like-minded individuals through the app.

Threads also prioritizes accessibility by incorporating core features that are available on Instagram. This includes support for screen readers, enabling visually impaired users to navigate and interact with the app effectively. Furthermore, AI-generated image descriptions are provided, helping users with visual impairments understand the content of images shared on Threads.

By implementing these accessibility features, Threads aims to create an inclusive and user-friendly experience for individuals of diverse abilities.

 

Threads offers a personalized feed that includes posts from the people you follow, as well as recommended content from new creators. The app allows users to create posts up to 500 characters in length, which can include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes long. Additionally, users can easily share their Threads posts to their Instagram story or share them as links on other platforms of their choice.

One of the key features of Threads is the ability to control and filter conversations. Users have control over who can mention or reply to them within Threads. Similar to Instagram, users can add hidden words to filter out replies containing specific words. Additionally, the app provides options to unfollow, block, restrict, or report profiles. Blocking a profile on Instagram automatically extends to Threads, ensuring consistent privacy and safety measures.

Safety is a top priority, and Threads is governed by Instagram's Community Guidelines, which regulate content and interactions within the app. Instagram, and by extension, Threads, has made significant investments in teams and technologies to protect users. Over $16 billion has been invested since 2016 to strengthen integrity efforts and protect the community.

In summary, Threads offers a curated feed, advanced conversation controls, and a strong focus on safety and user protection, aligning with Instagram's commitment to fostering positive and productive online experiences.

 

Threads has future plans to ensure compatibility with ActivityPub, an open social networking protocol established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the organization responsible for developing open standards for the web. By aligning with ActivityPub, Threads aims to achieve interoperability with other applications that also support the protocol, such as Mastodon and WordPress. This would enable connections and interactions between Threads and these platforms that are not typically feasible on most social apps.

ActivityPub provides a framework for decentralized social networking, allowing users of different platforms to communicate and share content with each other seamlessly. By adopting this protocol, Threads would open up new possibilities for cross-platform connections and collaboration. Platforms like Tumblr have also expressed their intentions to support the ActivityPub protocol in the future, further expanding the potential for interconnected experiences.

In summary, Threads is planning to integrate with the ActivityPub protocol, facilitating interoperability with other platforms that support the protocol. This move would enable users to establish connections and engage in interactions that transcend the limitations of traditional social apps, fostering a more connected and collaborative online ecosystem.

 

Threads is committed to empowering users with greater control over their audience. The plan is to collaborate with ActivityPub, allowing users the option to stop using Threads and transfer their content to another service. The vision is to enable people on compatible apps to follow and interact with individuals on Threads without requiring a Threads account, fostering a new era of diverse and interconnected networks.

With the integration of ActivityPub, users with public profiles on Threads will have their posts accessible from other apps. This creates an opportunity to reach new audiences effortlessly. For users with private profiles, they will have the ability to approve followers and manage interactions, similar to the experience on Instagram.

Open social networking protocols offer benefits beyond simple following capabilities. They allow developers to create new features and user experiences that can seamlessly integrate with other open social networks, fostering innovation and experimentation. Each compatible app can establish its own community standards and content moderation policies, enabling individuals to choose spaces that align with their values. This decentralized approach, reminiscent of protocols governing email and the web, is believed to play a crucial role in the future of online platforms.

Threads marks Meta's first app designed to be compatible with an open social networking protocol. By joining this rapidly growing ecosystem of interoperable services, Threads aims to help people find and connect with their communities, regardless of the app they use.

Moving forward, Threads is launching in over 100 countries for both iOS and Android. Users in these countries can download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Additionally, Threads will continue to introduce new features to enhance the user experience. This includes improved recommendations in the feed, a more robust search function for following topics and trends in real-time, and more.

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