It has been a whirlwind few months in the world of social media. Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter and subsequent changes to the platform led many, including ourselves, to ponder whether the blue bird was on the way out.
However, events have really ramped up with the launch of Meta’s new platform Threads, which now forms part of its Instagram and Facebook empire.
The decline of Twitter has given Meta the perfect opportunity to launch Threads – a new social media app with features and a user interface (UI) that are similar to Twitter’s offering.
Today, Threads became accessible for users to download in over 100 countries, including the UK, but how should brands react?
Will Threads replace Twitter?
Meta says that one of the key benefits of Threads is the ability for users to sign up with their existing Instagram account, meaning that they will be able to transfer the same users they follow and that follow them onto the new app.
Meta head honcho Mark Zuckerberg has stated that ten million users signed up for the Threads app in the first seven hours of its release – so should you join them?
For many, it is far too early to say if Threads will knock Twitter off its perch.
Despite its early popularity, mitigating factors such as the viral nature of its announcement (ironically much of it circulating through Twitter) plus the recent disillusionment with Elon Musk’s antics, may have seen a higher-than-expected surge in early sign-ups – numbers could easily plateau in the coming weeks as the noise dies down.
When the first stories emerged of Elon Musk’s apparent disregard for Twitter and his seeming desire to tank the app, other social media apps did throw their hat into the ring for the role of successor.
However, these challenges have fallen flat to this date, and the likes of Mastodon and Hive have not taken enough users away from Twitter to become serious competition.
Threads could face the same fate, although the key difference is that the app is run by a company in Meta that already owns two of the world’s largest and most popular social media platforms that have an active user base.
This expertise and know-how could well put Threads on the road to becoming the next big thing in the world of social media.
Should I join Threads?
In a previous blog, we discussed how our clients should move forward with their digital strategies, and which social media channels are right for their firm.
These decisions are based on a range of considerations, including understanding your target audience, maintaining brand consistency, and aligning with your business strategy.
The decision to join Threads needs the same considerations. The app is very much in its infancy so there is no way of knowing if it will take off in the same way other social media apps have or what type of interactions will work well. Regardless of this, you should consider what Threads would do for your firm and if it would have a positive impact or not.
In order to do this, you need to consider the objectives of your social media activity and feeds and understand where your key audience exists.
Initial impressions of Threads, albeit in its first few days, is a platform more focused on the “personal” with a drive for entertainment over information or advertising, but this may change over time.
Already, there are a number of professional service brands making their presence known, if by nothing more than creating a profile in anticipation of future activity.
With the ability to seamlessly transfer your Instagram handle over to Threads, it is advisable for your firm to sign up for Threads, even if you are not quite sure yet about its suitability.
Signing up will protect your account name and branding, should you decide to become active on the platform in the future.
Like the rest of the world, JE Consulting will be keeping a close eye on developments, as Zuckerberg attempts to clip the wings of Musk’s blue bird.
As always, we are here to assist and advise you on your social media strategies. Why not arrange a social media marketing call with our team today?
