The web version of Threads, Instagram’s “Twitter”, is now available

launch streams, a Twitter clone based on Instagram is inevitable. Tomorrow, July 6th, a new social networking app will be available to take advantage of Elon Musk’s woes. The funniest thing is Today you can access the web version of the platformhow to begin to understand what he had in mind.

Before moving on, let’s clear up something important. That the web version of Threads is already available, this does not mean that anyone can create their own account on the service. In fact, if you enter threads.net You will see only a countdown to the launch of the service and a QR code offering to download the application. If you scan it, you will be sent to the mobile web, and from there you will see a link to access the iPhone version in the App Store. The Android variant is not yet available and it is not yet known if it will be released tomorrow or some other date.

However, it is possible to directly access the profiles of some content creators and personalities who have had early access to the platform. How could it be otherwise Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, was the first to post on Threads. “Let’s do that. Welcome to Threads,” @zuck said in a post.

As of this writing, the post already has over 1,000 likes and over 370 upvotes. The web interface of the social network shows that you can not only answer and give likebut also re-post – retweet, oh well – or share on other platforms.

First look at the web version of Threads

What’s not yet clear is how far the web version of Threads will be extended.. That is, will it be possible to publish from the browser, or will it only serve to view publications and user profiles, as it was previously with Instagram.

For now, the social network invites you to download the app to “indicate you like something, reply and post”. This suggests that, at least initially, most features are likely to be reserved for mobile apps.

Basically, the web version of Threads showcases a minimalist design. A small but very useful detail is that you can switch from light mode to dark mode by simply clicking on the platform logo that appears at the top of the screen.

And if we enter the user profile, we will see a simple biography. That is, a profile photo, a short description, and the number of followers. Based on Instagram, an icon also appears that leads to the associated account on that social network. As for publications, they will be divided into two sections: Topics and replies.

Now that the web version of Threads is live, we can also get our first look at the creators and personalities who got early access to the platform. In addition to the aforementioned Mark Zuckerberg, the profile Adam Mosseri (@mosseri), head of Instagram. Also one of youtuber iJustine (@iJustine) and F1 driver Lando Norris (@landonorris).

As for the companies Netflix (@netflix) is already on Threads and has taken the opportunity to share a few memes over the past few hours. In general, the feeling is the same: everyone who had early access is waiting for their friends to come to Threads. Actually, most active accounts have only a few hundred followers. The most “bulky” cases are those of Mosseri and Zuckerberg with 2,300 and 1,800 subscribers, respectively.

Let’s see how users will perceive the new social network. Although it was known at this time that Threads would not debut in Europe tomorrow due to regulatory issues.

Integration with Mastodon will come later

Adam Mosseri indicated that Threads would be released without integration with ActivityPub, the protocol behind Mastodon, as they were unable to complete it in time. However, they promise to add soon. This was announced by the leader of Instagram:

“We’re looking to build support for ActivityPub, the protocol at the heart of Mastodon, into this app. We were not able to complete it for launch due to a number of difficulties related to the decentralized network, but this will happen in the near future.

If you’re wondering why this matters, here’s why: you may leave Threads one day, or hopefully not leave the platform. If this ever happens, you will be able to transfer your audience to another server. Openness can allow that.”

ActivityPub support would also mean Mastodon users will be able to follow Threads users. To do this, they must search for them on their platform by adding “@threads.net” to their pen. For example: @zuck@threads.net or @netflix@threads.net and so on.