Five months after its launch in July, Meta’s social network Threads is now finally available to people living in the European Union. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the platform, which has been gradually opening up to more countries and regions since its inception.
History of Expansion
On July 5th, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta is opening up Threads to more countries in Europe. In his post on Threads, he wrote: "Today we’re opening Threads to more countries in Europe. Welcome everyone."
The expansion was met with excitement and anticipation from users across the continent. However, it’s worth noting that the company had initially restricted access to the new social network in the EU to become compliant with various rules of the bloc.
Preparations for Expansion
To ensure a smooth rollout, Meta took several steps to prepare for the expansion. The Threads.net website has a "Use without a profile" mode, which doesn’t require users to log in through Instagram. While users can look at posts through this mode, they won’t be able to reply to, like or repost them.
This feature allows new users to explore the platform and get familiar with its features before creating an account. Additionally, users can search for accounts, but it seems that post-level searching is not yet available.
Launch in the EU
The official launch comes after The Wall Street Journal’s report last month, which indicated that Meta planned to launch Threads in the EU in December. Last week, Threads placed a countdown timer on its home page pointing toward a December 14 launch in the region.
During Meta’s Q3 earnings call, Zuckerberg said that Threads has less than 100 million monthly active users. The social network’s launch in the EU will help the company cross this mark and further establish itself as a major player in the social media landscape.
Future Developments
On Wednesday, Zuckerberg announced that Threads had started experimenting with ActivityPub integration. This means that posts originally published on the Meta-owned social network could appear on compatible decentralized networks such as Mastodon.
This development is significant, as it marks a step towards greater interoperability between different social media platforms and services. By embracing open standards and protocols, Threads can expand its reach and user base, making it an even more attractive option for users who value decentralization and community-driven engagement.
Impact on the EU Market
The expansion of Threads to the European Union will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the region’s social media landscape. With its focus on simplicity, moderation, and community building, Threads is poised to attract users who are disillusioned with more established platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
As the platform continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how it adapts to the unique cultural and regulatory context of the EU market. By engaging with local stakeholders and addressing concerns around data protection and privacy, Meta can ensure that Threads remains a trusted and popular choice for users across Europe.
Conclusion
The launch of Threads in the European Union marks an exciting new chapter for the platform and its users. With its expanding user base, innovative features, and commitment to community-driven engagement, Threads is well-positioned to become a major player in the social media landscape.
As Meta continues to evolve and adapt to changing user needs and expectations, one thing is clear: Threads is here to stay, and it’s going to be an exciting ride for users and observers alike.
