Meta Platforms Inc.’s photo-sharing app Instagram is set to launch its own microblogging service, Threads, on Thursday, according to a listing on Apple Inc.’s App Store.
Threads will allow users to post text-based messages that can be liked, commented on and shared, similar to Twitter. Users will be able to follow the same accounts they follow on Instagram and keep their same user name.
Threads is available for ‘pre-order’ on the App Store and is expected to launch on Thursday. The app’s description says it is “where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today, to what’ll be trending tomorrow.”
Here is the full app description;
Say more with Threads — Instagram’s text-based conversation app
Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow. Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things — or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions and creativity with the world.
The move comes as Twitter faces backlash from its users over various issues, such as its content moderation policies, its subscription fee for verified accounts, and its site reliability.
Twitter was acquired by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk last year, who has made controversial changes to the platform.
Instagram has been building hype for Threads by teasing the app in the past month.
However, the app has already sparked controversy over the data it says it will collect from its users. According to the App Store listing, Threads may collect a wide range of information, such as location, personal info, financial info, health and fitness, messages, photos and videos, audio, files and docs, calendar, contacts, app activity, web browsing, app info and performance, and device or other IDs. Some of these data categories are sensitive and may raise privacy concerns among users and regulators.
Threads is expected to attract users who are looking for a more engaging and reliable alternative to Twitter.