Five million individuals registered for Threads, which is Meta’s response to Twitter, within four hours of its launch on Thursday, as stated by Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO. What can we anticipate from this platform?

How does Threads function? Threads enables users to sign up using their Instagram credentials, automatically allowing them to follow the same accounts they follow on Instagram as they join Threads.

Users can share posts with up to 500 characters, including images, gifs, and videos up to five minutes long.

Threads resembles Twitter in many ways, with short text-based content, likes, reposts, and the ability to quote a thread similar to quote tweeting.

Why do I see posts from people I’m not following in my feed? Since its launch, one of the primary criticisms of Threads has been that users are seeing a mix of posts from both followed accounts and random accounts. Meta has indicated that it’s a combination of followed accounts and algorithmic recommendations. Currently, there is no way to view only the posts of the people you follow, and it’s uncertain whether the company will offer this option in the future.

Can I send direct messages (DMs)? Currently, there is no functionality to directly message other users, which may be a relief for some.

Can I keep my Instagram account private and have a public Threads account? Yes, if you prefer to keep your Instagram more private, you can lock it down while keeping your Threads account public. However, if you’re under 16, your Threads account, like Instagram, is private by default.

You have the option to make Threads private at any time and select who can reply to your posts on Threads.

Will there be a ‘close friends’ setting like on Instagram? There are no plans for a ‘close friends’ setting at the moment. However, if you prefer a smaller audience, you can switch your profile to private, so only your followers will see your threads.

Threads vs. Twitter – is this the main rivalry between Musk and Zuckerberg? Read more

How can I access Threads? Currently, Threads is only available through the iOS or Android apps. There is no desktop version available yet, and Meta has not provided a timeline for its potential release.

Will Threads include advertisements (ads)? Meta has stated that it will not monetize Threads this year, but it has left open the possibility of incorporating ads in the future.

Can I have a different username on Threads? Currently, Meta allows users to log in using their Instagram credentials, so you will retain the same username you have on your Instagram account for Threads. This is good news for those concerned about others acquiring their username.

Can I find followers from other social media platforms? Not currently, but Meta aims to make Threads similar to platforms like Mastodon, promoting decentralization and allowing users to transfer their accounts to other platforms.

The company is working on making Threads compatible with ActivityPub, which enables interoperability among social networks. This would allow Threads users to migrate their accounts and followers to other ActivityPub-supported apps.

What’s the moderation policy like? Threads follows a similar moderation approach to Instagram. This means it will enforce stricter rules than Twitter, particularly concerning nudity and hate speech, which Twitter has been lacking in since Elon Musk assumed control.

Why hasn’t Threads launched in the EU? Sources from Meta suggest that regulation is the reason for the delay in launching Threads in the European Union. Concerns have been raised regarding the app’s compliance with stringent EU data privacy regulations.

Privacy advocates point out the extensive range of personal information that Threads can collect, as stated in its data privacy disclosure on the App Store. This includes health, financial, contact, browsing and search history, location data, purchases, and “sensitive info,” raising concerns about the app’s privacy implications.