New Social Platforms Emerge to Replace Twitter: An In-Depth Comparison of Threads and X
The once popular social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), has experienced a series of setbacks since its acquisition by Elon Musk in 2022. With mishaps like the controversial rebranding of its subscription service, Twitter Blue, to X Premium, and the firing of 80% of its workforce, X’s future looks uncertain. As a result, rival platforms are emerging to fill the void left by X, including Bluesky, Mastodon, and Meta’s Threads.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, launched Threads in July 2023, offering features like a ‘Following’ feed and audio posts, which are attracting users seeking an alternative to X. To assess the superiority of these platforms, we have compared Threads and X across four different categories to determine whether it’s worth making the switch.
Design: X retains its familiar layout, although it has undergone some changes since Musk’s takeover. While bugs still persist, users can navigate through their feed, post as usual, and create ‘Circles’ to share content with specific followers. In contrast, Threads offers a user-friendly design that resembles X, making it easier for X users to transition. Plus, both platforms offer a dark mode for a personalized visual experience.
Features: X, with its head start in the industry, initially boasted a range of features. However, under Musk’s management, some features have been removed or modified without much notice. Currently, users can Repost, create polls, and post to designated ‘Circles’. X also introduced ‘Spaces’ as its audio livestreaming feature, and there are various customization options available. However, the future of these features remains uncertain.
Threads, on the other hand, has gained traction since its launch, steadily introducing new features. Users now have access to a ‘following’ feed and the ability to add alternative text to images for enhanced accessibility. Rumors suggest that messaging functionality is also in development. Threads is focusing on stability and delivering consistent performance for users.
Apps: X’s iOS app, originally Tweetie, became the go-to app for Twitter users after the company acquired it in 2010. However, since Musk’s takeover, access to third-party apps has been revoked, leaving users with no choice but to rely on X’s first-party app. Threads, accessible via the web and its own app, offers a user-friendly interface reminiscent of Instagram. While there are no third-party apps for Threads, Meta’s CEO, Adam Mosseri, has hinted at future support for ActivityPub, allowing users to access Threads on other networks.
Accessibility: X had a dedicated team for accessibility, but it disbanded after Musk’s acquisition. While some accessibility features remain in place, the lack of communication from Musk and others raises concerns about the longevity of these features. In contrast, Threads offers limited accessibility features, such as the ability to add alt text to images. However, it’s important to note that both Android and iOS provide a range of accessibility features that can supplement any potential shortcomings.
In conclusion, with X’s uncertain future and the emergence of new platforms like Threads, users have alternatives to consider. While X still offers a range of features, recent changes and lack of communication have left users skeptical. Threads, with its familiar design and continuous improvement, presents an appealing option. As the social media landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how these platforms compete and whether users will embrace the change.
Disclaimer: The above comparison is based on available information and may be subject to change as both platforms continue to evolve.
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