Mark Zuckerberg’s new app Threads, set to rival Twitter, went live in the UK Wednesday night and according to its Meta boss, it has already amassed 10 million users.
According to the App Store Threads is an 'Instagram text-based conversation app' - it has many Twitter-like features.
In a statement to the media Zuckerberg boldly said that he is aiming for 1 billion users, if reached, he will have far outstripped Twitter’s 450 million users.
Posting on the app, Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg said: '10 million sign-ups in seven hours'. He also tweeted for the first time in 11 years, sharing a Spiderman meme obviously aimed at his rival Elon Musk.
A Meta blog post said in promoting the App: “ Whether you’re a creator or a casual poster, Threads offers a new, separate space for real-time updates and public conversations. We are working toward making Threads compatible with the open, interoperable social networks that we believe can shape the future of the internet”.
“Instagram is where billions of people around the world connect over photos and videos. Our vision with Threads is to take what Instagram does best and expand that to text, creating a positive and creative space to express your ideas. Just like on Instagram, with Threads you can follow and connect with friends and creators who share your interests – including the people you follow on Instagram and beyond. And you can use our existing suite of safety and user controls”.
It’s easy to get started with Threads: simply use your Instagram account to log in. Your Instagram username and verification will carry over, with the option to customize your profile specifically for Threads.
Threads has been rolled out in more than 100 countries today for iOS and Android. The App can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
According to various sources, celebrities already signed up include Shakira, Gordon Ramsay, Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, Will Smith, and Jennifer Lopez.
