Mark Zuckerberg has claimed that Instagram's new text-based app and Twitter reskin, Threads, gained over 10 million new users in the first seven hours after it went live. Who knows how many it's on now?
The Meta chairman and CEO responsible for Facebook, Instagram, the Metaverse and now Threads, says that the new Twitter-like social media app which debuted on Wednesday, 6 July, racked up 5m new accounts in just a few hours after launch before doubling its user base after a total of seven hours. And yes, we are among them.
Moreover, given that Threads accounts can be created directly through existing Instagram profiles and essentially serve as text companions to Meta's popular image-based, it could potentially rise to around 2 billion from those users alone.
Created simply with the press of a button on IG, Threads ports over all your profile's existing details and followers whilst allowing users to carry out "real-time updates and public conversations" in a new. Well, we say 'new, it's basically just Twitter a new logo.
As for the old bird app, it's fair to say Twitter's user base, audience and all-round service have been pretty up and down of late. Let's be honest, pretty much ever since Elon Musk bought it in October 2022.
From controversies surrounding freedom of speech, getting rid of verification on numerous accounts and the whole 'Twitter blue' subscription thing — not to mention most recently limiting how posts people can see in a day — the billionaire kind of just made what was a very simple app into a bit of a convoluted mess.
The platform was never perfect, far from it, and certainly needed improving when it came to things like online abuse, misinformation and so on, but with this new, stripped-back and yet already familiar alternative now on offer, it looks like millions are already making the switch over.
Not only does Threads allow you to like, reply, repost and pretty much do everything else Twitter already did and more, including sharing videos up to five minutes in length and making use of 500 characters, but it also looks to have started off on the right foot:
As for Zuckerberg himself, the 39-year-old kicked things off by posting, "Let’s do this. Welcome to Threads", along with a fire emoji and adding "It'll take some time, but I think there should be a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people on it."
'Zuck' went on to say that he believes "Twitter has had the opportunity to do this but hasn't nailed it" and that, hopefully, his team will — the only difference is he didn't have to pay £38.1bn to put his company's name on it as Musk did.
While Threads is currently unavailable in the EU as it is yet to be fully reviewed by the union's privacy and data protection regulator, it has already rolled out in over 100 different countries including the UK, US, Ireland and Australia.
Zuckerberg also insisted that this is merely an "initial version" of the app and Meta will continue developing the platform and are keen to keep "actively listening to feedback" from an already growing community already growing on there.
The question is, will Threads turn out to be the 'Twitter killer' that it's being hyped up as, just another app for you to download or will the bubble eventually burst? The numbers so far seem to suggest that won't be happening any time soon.
Featured Image — The Hoot (via Threads)/Wikimedia Commons
News
North Star Coffee announces opening date for new site – and they’re giving away 200 coffees to celebrate
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Danny Jones -
6th July 2023 
