Jack Dorsey Slams Meta’s Threads as a Twitter Clone, While Platform Hits 70 Million Users in 48 Hours

2025-01-18

The social media world is buzzing with drama as Meta’s new text-based platform, Threads, faces accusations of being a blatant copy of Twitter. Jack Dorsey, Twitter’s co-founder and former CEO, didn’t hold back in his criticism, calling out Threads as one of many Twitter clones flooding the market. This comes as Threads skyrocketed to 70 million users within just 48 hours of its launch, marking one of the fastest-growing platforms in history.

The Clash of Titans: Dorsey vs. Zuckerberg

Jack Dorsey took to Twitter (now X) to express his disdain for Threads, labeling it as one of “seven Twitter clones” currently making the rounds. His criticism didn’t stop there. Dorsey also defended his own projects, Bluesky and Nostr, emphasizing that they are protocols designed to build upon Twitter’s foundation rather than replicate it. “They remove some constraints and burdens,” he explained, hinting at the limitations of traditional social media platforms.

Elon Musk, Twitter’s current owner, chimed in with a laughing emoji, further fueling the rivalry. Musk and Twitter have already threatened legal action against Meta, accusing the company of using Twitter’s trade secrets and intellectual property to create Threads. This legal threat adds another layer of tension to the ongoing feud between the two tech giants.

Threads’ Meteoric Rise

Despite the controversy, Threads has seen unprecedented growth since its launch on July 5, 2023. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the platform had amassed 70 million sign-ups by July 7, 2023. This rapid adoption is largely attributed to Threads’ integration with Instagram, which boasts over 2 billion active users. By allowing users to sign up with their existing Instagram handles and retain their followers, Meta has effectively leveraged its existing ecosystem to propel Threads into the spotlight.

Internal data from Meta reveals that users have already posted over 95 million threads and 190 million likes, showcasing the platform’s immediate engagement. This explosive growth has positioned Threads as a serious contender in the social media space, potentially challenging Twitter’s dominance.

Trouble Brewing for Twitter

Threads’ launch couldn’t have come at a worse time for Twitter. The platform has been embroiled in controversy following a series of policy changes announced by Elon Musk, including restrictions on the number of tweets users can view daily. These changes have sparked widespread frustration among users, creating an opening for competitors like Threads to capitalize on Twitter’s missteps.

Meta’s timing appears strategic, as Threads offers a familiar yet fresh alternative to Twitter’s increasingly chaotic environment. With its seamless integration with Instagram and a user-friendly interface, Threads is poised to attract not only disgruntled Twitter users but also those seeking a new platform for real-time conversations.

What Undercode Say:

The launch of Threads and its subsequent success highlight several key trends in the social media landscape. First, it underscores the power of leveraging an existing user base. By integrating Threads with Instagram, Meta has effectively eliminated the friction of starting from scratch, allowing the platform to achieve rapid growth. This strategy is a masterclass in ecosystem utilization, demonstrating how established tech giants can dominate new markets with minimal effort.

Second, the accusations of cloning and intellectual property theft reveal the cutthroat nature of the tech industry. While imitation is often seen as the sincerest form of flattery, in the world of social media, it can lead to legal battles and public spats. Dorsey’s criticism of Threads as a clone reflects a broader concern about innovation stagnation in the industry. Are we witnessing a lack of originality, or is this simply the natural evolution of social media platforms?

Third, Threads’ success signals a shift in user preferences. As Twitter grapples with internal turmoil and policy changes, users are increasingly seeking stability and simplicity. Threads’ ability to offer a familiar experience while addressing some of Twitter’s pain points has clearly resonated with millions. This suggests that the future of social media lies in platforms that prioritize user experience and adaptability.

Finally, the rivalry between Musk and Zuckerberg adds a layer of personal drama to the narrative. From cage fight challenges to public jabs on social media, their feud has become a spectacle in its own right. This personal animosity not only fuels media attention but also reflects the high stakes involved in the battle for social media supremacy.

In conclusion, Threads’ explosive growth and the ensuing controversy highlight the dynamic and competitive nature of the social media industry. As platforms continue to evolve, the key to success will lie in balancing innovation with user-centric design. Whether Threads can sustain its momentum and truly challenge Twitter remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the social media landscape is far from settled.