Instagram launches Threads, a Snapchat-like messaging app for close friends

After almost a year of the launch of Close Friends, a feature that lets users share their stories with select followers, Instagram has announced a new app called Threads. It is designed to be used with close friends. Threads is a stand-alone camera-first messaging app that helps users to stay connected to their close friends. It enables users to share photos, videos, messages, Stories, and more with their close friends in a private space.

Users can use Threads to message people in their “close friends” list. They will have a dedicated inbox and notifications just for their close friends. Those users who don’t have a list set up yet can make one directly from the Threads app. The app opens directly into the camera and allows users to add shortcuts so that they can share what they are doing in just two taps. Instagram says it is the fastest way to share a photo or video with your close friends on Instagram.

Threads also has a “status” feature to let users keep up with their friends throughout the day. It is similar to that of WhatsApp. Users can choose from a suggested status or one of their own. Suggested statuses will essentially use your location and what you're doing at the moment to update your status. For example, if you're out at a coffee shop, Threads will update your status as 'drinking coffee'. 

It looks like Instagram is adding this feature to make their app a little more robust. We can't say whether this feature is here to stay, only time will tell. 

 

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