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Note: we drafted this post a couple days ago. The drama is unfolding at a pace that’s next to impossible to keep up with. We are now hiring more people to help with that. Thank you for choosing Sanctus.
A new platform has emerged! Threads, launched by Meta primarily as a rival to Twitter, has caused quite a stir and taken the digital world by storm – amassing an astonishing 80 million users in just three days, and now 100 million users in five days.
This rapid growth and the ensuing buzz have led many to label threads as the new “Twitter Killer.” But what is Threads, and what does its emergence mean for users, businesses, and the evolution of social media as a whole?
Let’s dive in.
Threads: Stitching Together a New Social Media Narrative
Threads burst onto the scene with a promise of a fresh, vibrant community, positioning itself not only as a Twitter rival but in many ways it can also be seen as a competitor to Reddit. This is not only due to its unique features and focus on real identities but also due to recent upheavals within the Reddit community.
(Interestingly, since Wednesday July 5th, Meta’s stock price jumped approximately 3.1% from about $286 to $291 as demand for shares increased coinciding with its unveiling of the new social media site.)
Reddit, often referred to as ‘the front page of the internet’, has been a popular platform for online communities for years. However, its reliance on pseudonyms and anonymous users has led to issues with accountability and moderation. Threads, with a greater emphasis on real identities, offers an alternative platform that encourages authenticity and personal connection, elements that can sometimes be lacking on Reddit.
Recently, Reddit has faced backlash from its user base due to increased API access charges (parallel to Twitter) and the discontinuation of Apollo, a popular Reddit front-end. This decision sparked an uproar within the Reddit community, leading to many popular subreddits blacking out in protest. Reddit’s response, threatening to replace the moderators of these subreddits with their own appointed moderators, has only added fuel to the fire.
Between the turmoil within Reddit and the discontent with Twitter, an opportunity has presented itself for Threads. With its stringent content guidelines, Threads has the potential to create a more positive and respectful community culture (or at least cultivate such a brand for itself), free from the issues currently plaguing Reddit. This could make Threads an attractive alternative for users seeking a more positive online community experience.
However, it’s worth noting that Reddit’s strength lies in its diverse and vibrant communities, covering a wide range of interests and topics. Whether Threads can replicate this level of diversity and engagement remains to be seen. Furthermore, the euphoria surrounding Threads’ launch has been tempered by skepticism regarding the platform’s stringent content guidelines, which some believe may limit its potential.
The Controversy: A Battle of Tech Titans
The launch of Threads has not been without controversy. Elon Musk, who recently took over Twitter, has threatened to sue Threads for allegedly poaching former Twitter employees and ‘stealing’ the concept of Twitter. The prospect of a legal battle between tech giants adds another layer of drama to the current waves in the social media ecosystem.
Musk, through his company X Corp., has served a legal notice to Meta, the parent company of Threads. The notice accuses Threads of poaching former Twitter employees and ‘stealing’ the concept of Twitter. While a full-blown legal battle has not yet ensued, the serving of this notice has set the stage for a potential showdown.
The allegation of poaching is significant. Musk suggests that Threads has intentionally recruited former Twitter employees, leveraging their insider knowledge and expertise. This move is seen by Musk as a direct assault on Twitter’s intellectual property.
Moreover, the claim that Threads has ‘stolen’ the concept of Twitter brings to the fore complex issues about competition and innovation in the tech industry. While it’s common for social media platforms to share similar features, Musk’s claim implies that he perceives Threads’ resemblances to Twitter as crossing a boundary into outright imitation.
This looming legal dispute between Musk and Threads is more than a mere disagreement over intellectual property; it’s shaping up to be a high-stakes face-off between two tech powerhouses. It underscores the intense competition and personal rivalries that often characterize the tech industry.
However, it’s crucial to remember that while these controversies are captivating, they are part and parcel of the dynamic nature of the tech world. As the situation continues to unfold, businesses, creators, influencers, and other professionals must stay informed and ready to adapt their strategies accordingly.
Public Sentiment and the Dark Side of Social Media
The launch of Threads comes at a time when public sentiment towards existing social media platforms is at a low. The general public has grown weary of the 24-hour news cycle, troubling political events, internet trolling and harassment, and other forms of negative online behaviour prevalent on platforms like Twitter. In this context, Threads holds promise as a platform of gentle positivity, offering a potential respite from the negativity often associated with social media.
This fatigue with the status quo is not limited to Twitter – as mentioned above, Reddit has also faced its share of recent controversy.
While Threads promises to be a platform of gentle positivity, it’s important to remember that human relations are inherently complex. Even in the most positive and well-intentioned communities, misunderstandings can occur, leading to soured moods and conflicts. This is not necessarily a reflection of malice or ill-intent, but rather a testament to the intricate nature of human interactions.
Every individual brings their unique perspectives, emotions, and experiences to the table. These differences can sometimes lead to misinterpretations or disagreements, even when everyone shows up with the best of intentions. For instance, a comment meant to be humorous might be perceived as offensive by someone else, or a well-intentioned piece of advice might be misinterpreted as criticism.
Moreover, external factors such as personal stress, cultural differences, or even just having a bad day can influence how individuals perceive and react to interactions on social media. A person who wakes up on the wrong side of the bed might be more likely to take offense or misinterpret a comment, leading to unnecessary conflict.
Therefore, while Threads aims to foster a positive and respectful community, it’s crucial for users to approach interactions with empathy and understanding. It will certainly be interesting to see how Threads as a platform will handle these simple truths and realities about human interaction, and how they will promote positive communication.
The Spectacle: A Jiu-Jitsu Match?
The rivalry between the tech giants, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, has taken an unexpected and theatrical turn. Amidst the business competition between Twitter and Meta’s Threads, a proposed jiu-jitsu match between Musk and Zuckerberg has emerged. This proposition, while intriguing, raises questions about its true purpose. Is it a genuine challenge, or a clever PR manoeuvre designed to stir public interest and promote their respective products? Perhaps only inadvertently the latter?
The idea of a jiu-jitsu match between Musk and Zuckerberg was discussed during Zuckerberg’s appearance on the Lex Fridman podcast. Zuckerberg, who has recently taken up the martial art, found himself in a conversation about a potential match with Musk. While the prospect of a physical competition adds a layer of intrigue to their business rivalry, it’s important to consider the broader implications.
The proposed match has certainly created a buzz, particularly among those interested in fitness, or contact sports and martial arts. It’s a spectacle that has captured the public’s imagination, serving as a metaphor for the intense competition between Threads and Twitter. However, it’s worth questioning whether this is merely a distraction from the real issues at hand.
While if the match were to happen, it would undoubtedly draw attention, from a marketing standpoint it’s important to remember the core focus should remain on the platforms themselves, their policies, and how they serve their users. A jiu-jitsu or MMA-style match, while highly entertaining, could not overshadow the critical discussions about the future of social media and the impact of these platforms on the tech and business worlds.
Implications for Businesses and Professionals
The emergence of Threads as a new player in the social media landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. Given the exodus of many advertisers from Twitter based on the new moderation policies brought forward by Musk, it’s important to consider what strategies and techniques would best serve businesses seeking to connect with their audiences, bring more awareness of their products or services, and ultimately drive revenues to successfully manage their businesses.
Threads’ focus on positivity and respectful discourse could provide a refreshing environment for brands to connect with their audiences – and fill a much-needed gap that seemed to have been created by Twitter. However, the stringent content guidelines could also limit the types of content that can be shared, requiring businesses to be more creative and thoughtful in their communication strategies.
Moreover, the ongoing controversies and changes in platforms like Twitter and Reddit could impact how businesses and professionals use these platforms. The recent API pricing changes and the backlash from the community highlight the importance of not relying solely on one platform to connect with your audience. It’s a reminder that platforms can change their policies at any time, and businesses must be prepared to adapt.
Often, businesses – both large and small – are not willing to make the investments required to build and maintain independent platforms that would not make them beholden to the winds of change and occasional thunderstorms of mainstream social media platforms.
In this context, it’s more important than ever for businesses and professionals to diversify their online presence. Being present on multiple platforms, focusing on serving and connecting with your core audience, and not becoming overly reliant on social platforms are key strategies in this changing landscape.
Additionally, it’s crucial to invest in your own platforms, such as your website, and to build direct connections with your audience, such as through email marketing campaigns. As the technology evolves, it may become easier to become less reliant on major platforms to perform at least some of the basic functions they have traditionally provided: while social media platforms can be powerful tools for reaching your audience, they should not be the sole means of connection.
Staying Nimble in a Changing Landscape
The launch of Threads, coupled with the ongoing changes and controversies surrounding platforms like Twitter and Reddit, underscores the importance of staying nimble and responsive to these shifts.
Being present on multiple platforms is a crucial strategy in this context. It allows businesses and professionals to reach a wider audience and not be overly reliant on a single platform. This is particularly important given the potential policy changes and community backlashes that can occur on any platform.
However, while expanding your presence across platforms, the focus should always remain on serving and connecting with your core audience. The goal is not merely to be present everywhere, but to create meaningful and engaging content that resonates with your audience regardless of the platform.
It can be essential to invest in building direct connections with your audience outside of these social media platforms. This could involve polishing your website, creating your own platform, or starting an email marketing campaign. These direct connections can serve as a stable foundation, irrespective of the changes in the social media ecosystem.
Building Your Own Platform
In a world where social media platforms rise and fall, the significance of owning a digital space that you command can’t be overstated. This could manifest as a sleek, intuitive website, an insightful blog, or even a bespoke app.
Your personal platform is a canvas for your brand’s identity, a repository for valuable content, and a direct line of engagement with your audience, free from the constraints of social media algorithms or technical details that can hold your business back from expansion.
More than just a digital outpost, your platform is a reliable beacon for your audience. While the popularity of social media platforms may wax and wane, your website or app remains a steadfast presence. It’s a sanctuary where your audience can always locate you, irrespective of the ebb and flow of both social media trends as well as the winds of societal change as a whole.
Consider broadening your digital footprint. This could involve maintaining a presence on multiple social media platforms, or venturing into other digital territories like email marketing. For instance, email newsletters can serve as a potent conduit for maintaining direct communication with your audience.
Remember: social media is a tool, not a strategy. It’s a single piece of the puzzle. Building your own platform and diversifying your online presence can offer a more stable and reliable method to connect with your audience.
Ultimately, the objective is to devise a comprehensive digital strategy that effectively reaches your audience, wherever they may be.
Taking Control of Your Digital Presence
In the digital realm, control is key. It’s about having the reins of your brand’s narrative and being able to guide it in the direction that aligns with your vision. This means not just being present on various platforms, but also actively managing your presence on these platforms.
Being active doesn’t just mean posting regularly, it also means engaging with your audience, responding to their comments, and being part of the conversation. It’s about creating a two-way communication channel where your audience feels heard and valued.
But control also means not being overly reliant on any one platform. It’s about diversifying your presence and not putting all your eggs in one basket. This is where your own platform comes into play. With your own website or app, you’re not just a participant in the digital space, you’re a creator of it.
Moreover, control extends to your data. With your own platform, you have access to valuable information about your audience that can help you make informed decisions about your content strategy. You can see what content resonates with your audience, what drives engagement, and what doesn’t work.
In the end, taking control of your digital presence means being proactive, not reactive. It’s about setting the course of your digital journey, rather than being swept along by the current. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re here to help you navigate these waters.
How Sanctus Can Help
Remember that we want to be a partner in your digital journey.
We understand that each business and brand is unique, with its own set of challenges and objectives. That’s why we offer bespoke solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Our team of experts are equipped with the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the world. Whether you need assistance in building a robust website, crafting an engaging email marketing campaign, or managing your social media presence, we’ve got you covered.
We believe in the power of computing. Our strategies are backed by insights and sound statistics to ensure that your digital efforts are targeted and effective. We help you understand your audience better so you can create content that resonates with them and drives engagement.
At Sanctus, we’re not just about achieving short-term goals. We’re committed to helping you build a sustainable digital strategy that will serve your brand in the long run. We’re here to empower you to take control of your digital presence and steer your brand towards success.
Conclusion
Among the vast ocean of digital platforms, waves of change are a constant.
New platforms like Threads emerge, offering fresh opportunities and challenges. As businesses and professionals, it’s crucial to stay adaptable, ready to ride these waves rather than be swept away by them.
While the allure of new platforms is undeniable, and while it is important to have a sound and solid strategy on those platforms for connecting with your audience, it’s essential to also consider the value of owning your digital space. Your website, your email list, your platform – these are the anchors that can provide stability amidst the changing tides.
As we observe the unfolding drama of tech giants and the evolution of social media platforms, it’s clear that the digital landscape is far from static. It’s a dynamic, ever-shifting terrain that requires a keen eye and a steady hand to navigate.
In this journey, remember that you’re not alone. There are partners ready to assist, providing the expertise and support you need to chart your course in the digital sea. As you venture forth, keep your eyes on the horizon, your hands on the helm, and your sails ready to catch the wind of opportunity.
Get In Touch
Sanctus is ready to be your trusted navigator. We offer a free 1-hour consultation to understand your needs and challenges. Our team of experts is prepared to assist in building your digital presence and steering your brand towards success.
Whether you’re looking to build a robust website, start an email marketing campaign, or navigate the complexities of social media platforms, Sanctus is here to help. We’re committed to providing tailored solutions that align with your brand’s vision and objectives.
Don’t navigate the digital sea alone. Connect with Sanctus today, and let’s set sail towards your digital success.
