Yesterday, Meta launched its new social platform, Threads which has been attracting a lot of traffic since its launch. According to Meta, this system is designed to provide users with a more immersive and interactive experience than regular social media platforms. Meta Threads is part of Meta’s vision for the Metaverse, a virtual world where people can interact with each other and digital objects in a more natural and intuitive way. According to Techpoint Africa, the app received 10 million downloads within the first 7 hours of its launch. CNN further reports that after 12 hours, it had 30 million downloads while CNBC reports that this app had 70 million just after 24 hours. According to CBS, Threads is available for download in Apple and Google Android app stores in over 100 countries around the world.
How to use Meta Threads
Meta Threads is similar to Twitter, where users can write and share real-time text updates. Threads allow for text posts up to 500 characters and can include links, photos, and videos up to five minutes long. The feature also allows for private messaging between users.
To use Meta Threads, users need to download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once downloaded, users can sign in with their Facebook or Instagram accounts. The app will then prompt users to create a profile and select their interests. Users can then start sharing text updates and joining public conversations.
One of the unique features of Meta Threads is the ability to create custom status updates that can be shared with a select group of friends. Users can choose from a list of pre-set statuses or create their own. This feature allows users to share what they are doing or feeling with a select group of friends without having to share it publicly.
Once users set up the app, they can start exploring the virtual world and interacting with other users. Many of the features of Meta Threads are intuitive and easy to use, but there are also tutorials and guides available to help users get started. Given the sudden popularity of this app, it is important for users to know some of the key features of Meta Threads.
Meta Threads Features
1. Avatars:
Meta Threads Avatars are customizable digital representations of users that can be used across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram Stories, and DMs. Users can customize their avatars with new body shapes, hair, and clothing textures to better express themselves. The Meta Avatars Store also offers digital outfits from leading fashion brands, such as Balenciaga, Prada, and Thom Browne. The avatars can be used to convey a user’s personality, sense of humour, and fashion sense. Its improvements to hair, clothing, and eyes appear in stickers, profile pictures, cover photos, and more.
2. Virtual Spaces:
Users can create and customize their own virtual spaces, such as rooms or entire buildings. These spaces can be used for socializing, gaming, or other activities.
3. Social Interactions:
Meta Threads is designed to facilitate social interactions between users. Users can chat with each other, join groups, and attend events.
4. Virtual Objects:
Users can create and interact with virtual objects, such as furniture, vehicles, and other items. These objects can be used to decorate virtual spaces or for other purposes.
5. Gaming:
Meta Threads includes a variety of games that users can play with each other. These games range from simple puzzles to more complex multiplayer games.
6. Virtual Marketplaces:
Users can buy and sell virtual items, such as clothing, accessories, and other objects. These marketplaces are designed to be user-friendly and easy to use.
7. Virtual Reality:
Meta Threads is designed to be compatible with virtual reality headsets, allowing users to experience the virtual world in a more immersive way.
8. Privacy:
Meta Threads includes a variety of privacy features, such as the ability to control who can see your profile and what information is shared.
9. Accessibility:
Meta Threads is designed to be accessible to users with disabilities, with features such as text-to-speech and screen reader support.
10. Security:
Meta Threads includes a variety of security features to protect users from cyber threats, such as malware and phishing attacks.
11. Enhanced privacy and control:
Threads prioritize privacy by giving users complete control over who can view their posts.
12. Posts up to 500 characters:
Threads posts can be up to 500 characters long and can include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes.
13. Text-based version of Instagram:
Threads is a text-based version of Instagram that allows users to share updates and communicate with others in real time.
14. Separate space for real-time updates and public conversations:
Threads offer a separate space for real-time updates and public conversations, which is different from Instagram’s main feed.
15. Companion app to Instagram:
Threads is a companion app to Instagram, and users can entangle their Instagram account with Threads.
Final Words
Meta Threads is a social media platform that is gaining so much traffic just a few days after its official release. The company claims that this new app provides users with a more immersive and interactive experience than regular social media platforms. Its features include avatars, virtual spaces, social interactions, virtual objects, gaming, virtual marketplaces, virtual reality, privacy, accessibility, and security. To use Meta Threads, users must create an account and download the app, and many of its features are intuitive and easy to use. This app is still new, thus most of its features or their workability are still under wraps. At the moment, it is too early to talk about the pros and cons or the limitations of this app. After a few weeks, we will be able to the positives and limitations of the app.
