"Meta’s Twitter-clone, Threads, has taken a significant leap forward by launching a web app version of the platform. This move, which comes amidst rumors and anticipation, allows users to post, view their feed, and interact with Threads from their desktops. This live web app is a result of quick tweaks Meta made to the desktop version after Adam Mosseri, Meta’s Head of Instagram, teased about its slightly buggy state last week. As Meta continues to enhance its functionality, CEO Mark Zuckerberg promises a widespread rollout in the upcoming weeks.
Although Threads is a newcomer in the social media arena, its ambition to dominate the web comes at a time when competitor X is grappling with a slump in mobile downloads. The platform, which underwent a name change from Twitter, has seen its ranking drop to #51 in the App Store’s list of most downloaded free apps and #66 on the Google Play Store. However, Threads’ journey has not been without its share of bumps. The rush to launch the platform to capitalize on X’s turbulence led to a dramatic 80% shrink in Threads’ daily active user base and a 50% decrease in user engagement within two weeks of its launch."
Meta’s Threads Now Available on Web
Meta’s social media platform, Threads, has officially launched its web app, following circulating rumors of its impending release. This move broadens the platform’s accessibility, allowing users to post, view their feed, and interact with Threads from their desktops as of 9 a.m. Eastern.
Stepping into the Web
Adam Mosseri, Meta’s Head of Instagram, teased the web app via his Instagram account last week, albeit warning users of its initial "bugginess." It seems Meta has since made rapid adjustments to the desktop version in response. According to a Meta spokesperson, users can anticipate increased functionality over the next few weeks. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg further echoed this, predicting a widespread rollout of the web app in the near future.
"We’re much more focused on the web, on search, which I think can meet a lot of the needs of hashtags," Mosseri stated in a now-disappeared Instagram post.
Responding to Market Challenges
This strategic move to expand into the web realm comes as other social platforms reportedly struggle with mobile downloads. For instance, X, after changing its name from Twitter, has slipped to #51 in the App Store’s list of most downloaded free apps and #66 on the Google Play Store, according to tech blogger John Gruber.
Threads has had its share of hurdles too. After a hasty launch to capitalize on X’s turmoil, Threads saw a sharp decline in daily active users, from 49 million to 9.6 million, and a 50% drop in time spent on the platform within two weeks of its launch.
Conclusion and Takeaways
Meta’s move to launch a web version of Threads is a bold strategy, especially given the platform’s initial struggles with user engagement. However, with its focus on improving functionality and its ambition to dominate the web space, Threads could potentially turn the tide. The coming weeks will prove critical in gauging the success of this strategy and whether Threads can carve out a significant share of the social media market.
