Threads, an Instagram app for text-based messaging, expected to launch on the App Store on July 6, will now go live in a few hours, according to the official website countdown timer.

Screenshot from Threads.net, July 2023

But as excitement over the app grows, so do privacy concerns.

Threads App Pre-Launch Promotion

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri and the official Instagram @creators account have used broadcast channels to announce the upcoming launch to channel members.

According to a poll on Mosseri’s IG Updates channel, over 16k members planned to sign up for Threads this week. Almost 14k have followed the official @threadsapp account on Instagram.

Screenshot from Instagram, July 2023

How To Pre-Order Threads

Users of the Instagram app for iOS can find a ticket to get Threads via the search bar for the name of the app and P92.

Screenshot from Instagram, July 2023

The ticket directs users to the App Store to pre-order Threads.

Screenshot from App Store, July 2023

The app is also available on the Google Play Store and threads.net.

Threads.com has been used since 2002 and is now home to a Slack alternative for makers.

Threads App: Privacy Concerns

Some users who pre-ordered the app became concerned with the app’s privacy disclaimers, which explain how a large amount of your data will be linked to your identity.

Screenshot from the App Store, July 2023

Amongst the privacy critics were Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who tweeted about the app’s private data needs.

All your Threads are belong to us https://t.co/FfrIcUng5O pic.twitter.com/V7xbMOfINt

— jack (@jack) July 4, 2023

Others joked about how Twitter CEO Elon Musk would handle the competition.

If you download Threads (Twitters new competitor by Meta), El*n is going to personally hard core the algorithm to de-rank your tweets.

Be careful out there 😮

— Logan.GPT (@OfficialLoganK) July 4, 2023

With brief replies, Musk did his part to draw attention to tweets about Thread’s privacy notices.

Screenshot from Twitter, July 2023

This could be why Threads will not launch in the EU simultaneously with the US.

Despite privacy concerns, celebrities like Gordon Ramsay have already joined the Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Mosseri, and product leads on Threads.

Threads In 2019 – 2021

Interestingly, this isn’t Instagram’s first attempt at an app called Threads.

In 2019, Instagram introduced Threads as a camera-centric messaging app for sharing photos, videos, and status updates with a close circle of friends.

Today, Facebook is launching Threads from Instagram, a new camera-first messaging app that helps you stay connected to your close friends. Learn more here: https://t.co/oMgMiKMT6Y pic.twitter.com/GbQzctLu1t

— Instagram (@instagram) October 3, 2019

This version of Threads allowed users to have dedicated inboxes and notifications for their Instagram close friends list in a standalone app.

Screenshot from Internet Archives/App Store, July 2023

The app ultimately shuttered in 2021.

Stay Tuned For Updates

Want to get an inside look at Threads for Instagram? We will share everything you need to know about the new Twitter alternative and how to use it in your social media strategy as soon!

Featured image: wisely/Shutterstock