Threads or Twitter? We break down Twitter's competitor

Introduction

Are y'all ready for this? Introducing Threads, by Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram), is ready to take Twitter head-on. Threads has exploded with a jaw-dropping 100 million downloads and user sign-ups in less than one week of launching. For reference, Twitter has an estimated total user base of 350 million as of 2023.

Threads brings a breath of fresh air to the social space, offering a new perspective that has users flocking to it like bees to honey.

What You Need To Know

As I've been exploring the Threads app, here are some of my favorite features thus far:

• The Meta integration makes profile creation a breeze. Forget the hassle of creating a new username, uploading a photo, or crafting a bio from scratch. It all gets imported from Instagram directly.
• The temporary badge display on Instagram is a nifty showcase of your Threads registration number. I proudly claim the spot of #29,501,234. As for Mr. Zuckerberg, he takes the top spot as user #1, but hey, who's counting? Shoutout to our CRO, Dan Pratt, for locking in #380,480.
• Threads makes it super easy for you to follow the people and brands you already follow on Instagram with a click of a button.
• It's blissfully ad-free. As of now, your scrolling feed remains refreshingly pristine and uncluttered by advertisements.
• Threads gives you a roomy 500 characters to express your thoughts compared to Twitter's 280 characters (unless you are Twitter Blue).
• There is no verification on Threads. Back in the day, being verified was a badge of honor for public figures, publications, and companies. Today, it means a lot less as anyone can be "verified" on Twitter...if you are willing to pay for Twitter Blue. While platforms argue that verification offers additional security measures, such as regaining access to your account if it gets compromised, we'd be inclined to suggest investing that hard-earned money elsewhere.

Improvements & Predictions

I've loved messing around with the Threads app for the last week. And while it's been fun, there is definitely room for improvement. Here's what I'd like to see:

• Organization - I'd like to see more organization between people you follow and recommended people to follow. Based on how Instagram is set up, it would be nice to have an easier way to view these two groups. I'd also like to see an explore tab!
• Search - would love to see improvements to help users navigate more easily. Hashtags, topics, or any simplified way to help me find the content I'm looking for.
• Algorithm - I still can't figure out why I'm seeing what I'm seeing. Viral? Chronological? Random? Given that it's a Meta product, I'm sure this will be addressed sooner than later.

Your Opportunity As A Flooring Retailer

It's very rare for a brand-new social media platform to have such a large user base right out of the gate with no advertising. What does this mean? It's your opportunity to STRIKE while the iron is hot!

All you have to do is get started. The beauty of this app is how simple it is. As a flooring retailer, you just have to be you. Not a video editor, not a content creator, just start sharing!

• Job installations
• Employee spotlights
• Ask your following a poll question
• Share your favorite product of the week
• Share what you are selling the most and why

The options are limitless and it couldn't be easier to use! Go ahead and give it a try!

Conclusion

Threads is a completely refreshing social media experience. Most platforms today are chaotic and can be overwhelming. Meta and Zuckerberg definitely zigged here while everyone else zagged. And while it's not perfect, it's definitely a breath of fresh air. From everything I've seen so far, Twitter definitely should be concerned. I saw one Thread that captured the platform's vibe perfectly: "Threads feels like one giant group chat and everyone is invited" and it definitely does. Check it out, let us know your thoughts, and follow us on the Broadlume Threads account here!