Meta to Launch Threads Web Version as Rivalry With X Intensifies

Quincy Jon, Tech Times 21 August 2023, 03:08 pm

Meta Platforms is getting ready to launch the web version of Threads, a new text-centric social networking site. The action is being taken as Meta attempts to develop momentum and draw in a larger user base, presenting Threads as a serious rival to X, formerly known as Twitter.

The new Threads web version is expected to improve capabilities for businesses, corporate accounts, sponsors, and journalists. Adam Mosseri, the CEO of Instagram, said that the launch would occur soon, even though Meta has not yet confirmed the date. But per The Wall Street Journal, the web version of Threads may launch this week.

According to Reuters, Mosseri hinted at the impending move with a Threads post that reads, "We are close on web..."

Number of Threads Daily Users Plunged

On July 5, Threads debuted as a mobile app for Android and iOS, quickly gaining 100 million users in only five days. The initial popularity increase faded as online users returned to X after experiencing the new product of Facebook's parent company. Similarweb reported on August 10 that Threads' Android app's daily active users dropped from 49.3 million to 10.3 million in a little over a month.

With 10 million users only hours after its inception, Threads initially garnered much attention, but user interest and sign-ups have declined over time. While the major rival of Threads, Twitter, had 200 million active daily users who spent an average of 30 minutes on the app in late July.

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Despite this downturn, the Meta administration strives to improve the platform's functionality. Threads now allows account-specific post alerts and chronological feed viewing, according to Engadget. A new search tool that will let users look for individual postings rather than simply accounts is in the works.

Pros of Threads Web Version

Launching the Threads web version is anticipated to increase user adoption and provide Meta with long-term revenue options. Compared to the more restricted access to user data on mobile devices, the Threads web version allows for a broader data collection and analytics monitoring scope. There is no advertising on Threads right now.

Moreover, the Threads web version will simplify profile administration on the platform without requiring users to log in to business accounts on their cellphones so that companies may use it.

The addition of alerts, chronological post reading, and the labeling of state-controlled media sites are just a few things that Threads has been continuously adding to its capabilities. Notably, to make it simpler for users to view all reposted material, a "repost" tab has been created.

Another move in Meta's continuing conflict with X (formerly Twitter) and its owner, Elon Musk, is the launch of the Threads online version. Even the CEO of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg, used Twitter for the first time in more than 10 years to publish an image insinuating a confrontation with Musk, according to Investopedia. The two computer titans have even jokingly proposed competing in an MMA-style cage bout, generating interest from fans and onlookers.