Instagram and Snapchat have been fiercely competing to draw users to their service. Well, Instagram just dropped a bombshell. In fact, that bombshell is a new messaging app called Instagram Threads. This companion app is for your close friends only, and is surely going to improve your messaging experience. Even Snapchat shares fell in reaction to the huge announcement of the app last week, which is now live as of today.
Diving in, Threads is a camera-focused app that allows Instagram users to share their status. It also allows users to quickly send photos and videos to a list of close friends, which is managed by each user. From a blog post about Threads from Instagram:
“Threads is a standalone app designed with privacy, speed, and your close connections in mind. You can share photos, videos, messages, Stories, and more with your Instagram close friends list. You are in control of who can reach you on Threads, and you can customize the experience around the people who matter most.”
Threads allow you not only to directly message your close friends seamlessly, but it also allows you to set a status. You can pick from suggested status updates with emojis, or create your own. You can also turn on Auto Status, which will automatically share “little bits of context on where you are without giving away your coordinates” (creepy?). Of course, only your close friends will see your status. Furthermore, you can opt-in, or out of this feature.
All in all, Instagram Threads is launching globally today. You can still message through your Direct Messages on Instagram even if you have downloaded the app.
