Threads, Meta's Twitter Rival, Surpasses 10 Million Users Shortly After Launch

In a remarkable feat, Threads, the new social media app by Meta, attracted over 10 million users within just a few hours of its launch, according to CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The app made its debut on the Apple and Android app stores in 100 countries at 2300 GMT on Wednesday. For now, Threads will run without ads, but its release in Europe has been postponed due to concerns regarding data privacy.

Threads pose the most significant challenge yet to Twitter, which, despite its struggles, remains one of the world's largest social media platforms. While several potential competitors have emerged, none have managed to replace Twitter's prominence. 

Zuckerberg expressed his enthusiasm for Threads on his official account, stating, "10 million sign-ups in seven hours." Notably, well-known celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Hugh Jackman, as well as media outlets like The Washington Post and The Economist, already had active accounts on the platform.

Zuckerberg took a playful jab at Elon Musk, with whom he shares a well-known rivalry, by posting a Spiderman pointing at Spiderman meme on his first tweet in over a decade. The reference alluded to the similarities between Threads and Musk's Twitter.

In his statements about Threads, Zuckerberg expressed his belief that there should be a public conversations app with over one billion users, a feat he believes Twitter has failed to achieve. Twitter currently boasts over 200 million daily users.

Threads, as an offshoot of Instagram, benefits from its built-in audience of over two billion users, sparing the platform from the challenges of starting from scratch. Adam Mosseri, Instagram's chief, informed users that Threads aims to foster "an open and friendly platform for conversations" and encouraged kindness among users.

It is widely believed that Zuckerberg is capitalizing on the turmoil surrounding Musk's ownership of Twitter to introduce Threads. Meta hopes that the new platform will become the go-to choice for celebrities, companies, and politicians. Analysts speculate that if prominent Instagram users, such as Kardashian, Bieber, or Messi, consistently post on Threads, the platform could quickly thrive.

European critics have expressed concerns about Meta's handling of personal data, a critical aspect of targeted advertising that contributes to the company's significant profits. While Meta regrets the delay of Threads' launch in the European Union, waiting for regulatory clarity from Brussels would have meant a lengthy wait, according to Mosseri. The company was cautious due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a new law that imposes strict regulations on major internet companies, particularly regarding the transfer of user data between platforms.

Despite its early success, some Twitter users have humorously suggested that people will eventually return to Musk's platform. Others have voiced privacy concerns and their distrust of Meta's treatment of private information. However, there are individuals who have expressed their intention to permanently transition to Threads, bidding farewell to Twitter.

The launch of Threads marks a significant milestone for Meta, but challenges lie ahead, particularly regarding data privacy regulations in the European Union. Nevertheless, the overwhelming response from users signals a potential shift in the social media landscape and sets the stage for an intriguing rivalry between Threads and Twitter in the months to come.