Threads App: A Closer Look at Its Success and Controversial Resemblance to Twitter

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, a new contender has emerged to challenge the established giants, sparking both enthusiasm and heated debates. Threads, the text-based social media app launched by Meta, has swiftly captured the attention of millions with its rapid rise to success, amassing an impressive user base in a remarkably short span.

However, as its popularity soared, so did the controversy surrounding Threads, with striking similarities to Twitter raising eyebrows and accusations of intellectual property infringement surfacing. For Twitter and Meta, battle lines have all but been drawn with the launch of the new social media app.

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The Buildup to the Conflict

A history of the Meta-Twitter conflict would be incomplete without a glance at the existing history before the billionaire CEOs of both companies. Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have long sparred in public, with the latter criticising the former in 2016 after an explosion involving a SpaceX rocket explosion which affected one of Facebook’s satellites. The following year, Musk and Zuckerberg exchanged words over their conflicting opinions on the risks of AI (Artificial Intelligence). In recent years, Elon Musk has criticised Facebook’s role in indirectly facilitating the U.S. Capitol riots in January 2021. 

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The Beginnings of the Meta-Twitter Rivalry

Elon Musk made headlines in early 2022 when he indicated an interest in and officially initiated acquisition proceedings for the popular social media platform Twitter. After months of slow negotiations, the acquisition was finally concluded on the 27th of October, 2022. The takeover was met with much controversy, given Elon Musk’s already controversial personality. Indeed, the new Twitter CEO wasted no time making his mark with a string of fiery, bold tweets.

Radical changes to the modus operandi at Twitter HQ marked his first few months in charge. Naturally, his leadership style did not go well with some of his employees, who resigned promptly. Various changes to Twitter protocols also saw the new CEO come under fire from liberalists, journalists, and other famous figures online. Twitter was at its most unpopular since its launch in 2006.

Meta Takes Advantage: The Launching of Threads

On the 5th of July, 2023, Meta announced the launch of a text-based social media app called Threads, setting the stage for a bitter rivalry with Twitter. Before this, both CEOs had teased their followers by appearing to agree to a physical face-off at a cage match to settle things once and for all. With both Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg proficient in various martial arts, a showdown appeared to be in the making.

However, things took on a unique twist after the launch of the Threads app. The new app launch was highly successful, recording 100 million users in less than a week. Part of its success could be traced to Twitter’s unpopularity with many users at the time, many of whom flocked to be among the first to use the new Threads app. 

Threads and Twitter: Identical Apps

Much of the euphoria around the new Threads app began to fade after users realised it closely resembled Twitter. The app’s user interface was unmistakably identical to Twitter’s, as were many of its features. It also had integrations with Meta’s other social media app, Instagram, with users quickly realising that they couldn’t delete their new Threads account if they wanted without sacrificing their Instagram accounts. However, this was the least of the issues. 

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Clashes, Comments, and Threats

Those on high at Twitter HQ were observing proceedings closely and were far from impressed at the new Threads app. Elon Musk was among the first to react publicly, condemning the new app for attempting to mimic Twitter’s features. Another Twitter spokesperson, Alex Spiro, accused Meta of illegally using Twitter’s intellectual property and trade secrets by hiring former Twitter employees to build a copycat app. Alex Spiro, himself an attorney in Twitter’s employ, sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg threatening to sue Meta for stealing Twitter’s intellectual property, allegations that Meta representatives have since denied.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the Threads app’s rapid success and its controversial resemblance to Twitter have undeniably placed it at the forefront of the social media battlefield. The app’s soaring user numbers attest to its allure, while the striking similarities between Threads and Twitter have ignited legal battles and raised questions about originality and fair competition.

As the rivalry between Meta and Twitter intensifies, the future of text-based social media hangs in the balance, with both platforms vying for dominance in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Only time will tell how this saga unfolds and whether Threads can carve its place as a formidable contender or merely remains a contentious shadow of its established predecessor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is the Threads App So Popular?

The new Threads app launched successfully, registering 100 million users less than a week after it went live. A significant reason for this is because its direct rival, Twitter, had effected several policies that many users found too stringent and controversial. Launching the new Threads app was an opportune strategy that took advantage of Twitter’s unpopularity at the time. 

Did Threads Steal Twitter’s Intellectual Property?

Twitter representatives have accused Meta of stealing their intellectual property in building the new Threads app. Upon first inspection, the uncanny similarities between both apps point to the fact that Twitter might indeed have a point. However, at present, there is no concrete proof, despite Twitter alleging otherwise, that Meta stole their intellectual property. 

Is Threads Better Than Twitter?

The newfound popularity of the Threads app means that its makers are indeed doing some things correctly. While the app has faced criticism for being so similar to Twitter, it is gaining new and active users at an unprecedented rate, propelled by its affiliation with Instagram and, by extension Meta. While Twitter currently has more users, time will tell whether it is inferior or superior to the new Threads app.