Since the emergence of Threads, there has been speculation about whether the app would serve as a replacement for Twitter. With its initial surge in popularity and the apparent displeasure of Twitter’s owner Elon Musk and CEO Linda Yaccarino, there was anticipation about its potential impact. However, Instagram head Adam Mosseri has clarified that Threads is not intended to replace Twitter, providing some relief to Musk.
While this statement may not completely alleviate Musk’s concerns, as Threads could still pose a challenge to Twitter’s user base, Mosseri highlighted a significant difference between the two apps. He emphasized that Threads is not designed to promote politics or hard news, which are integral aspects of Twitter’s appeal in the media landscape. Twitter has established itself as a platform where users can engage with real-time news and stay updated on current events.
“The intention is not to replace Twitter. The aim is to create a public space on Instagram that appeals to communities who have not fully embraced Twitter and for communities on Twitter (and other platforms) seeking a less confrontational environment for conversations, while not encompassing all of Twitter,” Mosseri stated in a thread on Thread.
He added, “Politics and hard news will inevitably find their way onto Threads, as they have to some extent on Instagram as well, but we will not actively promote those areas.”
Mosseri’s statement holds significance as he previously oversaw Facebook’s News Feed and is well acquainted with news dynamics on social media platforms.
Furthermore, Meta has distanced itself from news and politics on both Facebook and Instagram. Last year, the company removed “News” from the name of the Facebook Feed, and more recently, it blocked companies from posting news content online in compliance with a new Canadian law. This law mandates social platforms like Google and Meta to negotiate agreements with publishers and compensate them for sharing their content.
Threads focuses on content creators, according to Mosseri’s interview with The Verge.
