What is Threads and how does it work? Features of the Meta app rivalling Elon Musk’s Twitter

The moment that Meta fans have been waiting for is almost finally here, with Mark Zuckerberg set to launch Threads tonight.

The new platform is expected to hit the App Store at 7pm EST – or midnight UK time – after having its release date brought forward by 15 hours.

It has been billed as an alternative to Twitter, which has been flooded with issues under Elon Musk’s guidance. Its release is said to have been expedited to capitalize on the chaos at Twitter HQ.

Many eager fans are counting down to its release, while celebrities including Shakira and Lando Norris, have already jumped on its early access.

But what is the so-called ‘Twitter-killer’ app all about?

We reveal everything you need to know about Threads ahead of its launch – including how and when you can download it.

What is Threads?

Threads is a ‘text-based conversation app’ due to be launched by Meta Platforms today.

It will be linked to Instagram, allowing users to follow accounts they are already interested in on the photo-sharing platform.

Pictured: Threads is a ‘text-based conversation app’ that is linked to Instagram

Much like Twitter, thread-like posts can also be made on the app, enabling people to share their point of view and ‘connect over conversation’.

It will be available to anyone aged 12 and over in 31 different languages, including  English, Traditional Chinese, Russian and Spanish.

The App Store’s description reads: ‘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.’

Much like Twitter, thread-like posts can also be made on the app, enabling people to publicly share their point of view and ‘connect over conversation’

When and where can I download Threads?

Anyone can preorder Threads on Apple’s App Store, providing they have an iPhone running on iOS 14.0 or a more recent version.

A hidden Instagram Easter egg has also revealed that it will be useable from 7pm EST (Midnight BST) today.

To see this, all you need to do is type ‘threads’ or ‘thread’ into the Instagram search bar and a small pink ticket will appear.

Clicking on this will bring up an animation of a revolving promo card with the Threads logo on one side and your Instagram username on the other.

A timer also counts down the hours and seconds until Threads is released.

However, it’s important to note that Threads is not currently available to Android users in the UK or the US.

This is despite Threads being listed on the Google Play Store in other European countries such as Spain, giving rise to a lot of uncertainty.

This website has approached Google for clarification.

A hidden Instagram Easter egg has revealed that it will be useable from 3pm BST (10am ET)

How much does Threads cost?

While Meta’s new app is completely free to download, it’s not clear whether there will be any additional costs in using it.

Two months ago, Meta launched a paid-for verification service on Instagram and Facebook costing $11.99/£11.99 month on web and $14.99/£11.99 a month on iOS.

It’s possible that Threads could also incorporate similar features, but this is currently yet to be revealed.

How does Threads use my data?

Threads will collect 14 different types of data that can be linked to your identity.

Alongside location and browser history, this includes financial information, purchase history and even health data.

The App Store also suggests that identifiers and ‘sensitive information’ will be collected, in addition to personal contact data.

Creators will keep track of content posted, how you use the app and its diagnostics as well.

But Threads’ use of this can vary depending on your age and use of the features on offer.

How is Threads similar to Twitter and what does Elon Musk think?

Meta’s new app offers users the chance to make public thread-like posts that look almost identical to Twitter posts.

Experts have labeled Threads the ‘Twitter-killer’ as a result, amidst speculation that it could replace the decades old tech giant.

The launch of Threads comes just days after Elon Musk announced a temporary cap on how many posts a user can read on Twitter.

Now, Twitter users who chalk up the $8 a month to become verified can view up to 6,000 daily tweets.

Unverified users can see up to 600 tweets a day, and new unverified accounts can see up to 300 tweets a day.

But this hasn’t been the only drastic change made to Twitter since the billionaire’s dramatic takeover.

During the past year, Musk has ‘purged’ old conversations, introduced encrypted messaging and introduced Twitter Blue at $11.00/£11.00 for iOS.

Threads is likely to be a huge source of competition between Mark Zuckerberg (left) and  Elon Musk (right)- with the pair already agreeing to a physical fight last month

So, Threads is likely to be a huge source of competition between Zuckerberg and Musk – with the pair already agreeing to a physical fight last month.

Musk appeared to take a swipe at the new platform just yesterday while responding to the comments of another Twitter user.

The user wrote: ‘”Threads” will be released on Thursday in the US. The app has been described as a competitor to Twitter. According to an executive at Meta, its goal is to establish a “sanely run” social media site.

‘However, the term “sanely run” might suggest that the app will collect ALL your data (something Meta typically has a penchant for, as mentioned in the app’s description.

‘Personally, I firmly believe that @elonmusk’s vision for Twitter is significantly superior and that he genuinely champions freedom of speech, in stark contrast to Zuckerberg’s track record.’

Musk responded: ‘Thank goodness they’re so sanely run.’