Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg officially launched the initial version of Threads, an app built by the Instagram team for sharing with text.
The microblogging app is seen as a direct competitor to Twitter, from which many advertisers have departed since being bought by billionaire Elon Musk.
Instagram has two billion monthly active users and ironed on advertisers. Twitter has 363.7 million monthly users.
Meta won't be offering advertising on Threads in the first year of operation. The aim is to build the user experience first, say Meta insiders.
The app now is available for download in Australia.
"Whether you’re a creator or a casual poster, Threads offers a new, separate space for real-time updates and public conversations," says Meta.
"We are working toward making Threads compatible with the open, interoperable social networks that we believe can shape the future of the internet.
"Instagram is where billions of people around the world connect over photos and videos. Our vision with Threads is to take what Instagram does best and expand that to text, creating a positive and creative space to express your ideas. Just like on Instagram, with Threads you can follow and connect with friends and creators who share your interests – including the people you follow on Instagram and beyond. And you can use our existing suite of safety and user controls."
Everyone who is under 16 (or under 18 in certain countries) will be defaulted into a private profile when they join Threads.
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