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
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Independent Leeds bookshop raises money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to ‘deface’ Harry Potter books
A bookshop in Leeds is inviting its customers to vandalise Harry Potter books for charity.
Well, this is definitely one we haven't seen before.
The Bookish Type on Great George Street in Leeds is a fabulous independently-owned queer bookshop that prides itself on being a safe space for all.
They're raising money for trans healthcare by inviting customers to vandalise Harry Potter novels for just 25p per go.
A bargain if you ask us, and all for a good cause. And don't worry, all the books are second hand and have been donated.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're not understanding the immediate connection between the two, then allow us to fill you in.
J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter novels, has over recent years expressed transphobic comments and anti-trans political beliefs on social media.
Yesterday, Wednesday 25 March, the trailer for the new HBO Max Harry Potter series was released which has encouraged many people to speak out against Rowling and claim she should no longer be supported.
So, The Bookish Type are showing support for the trans community and asking those who feel frustrated to have a doodle and whilst they're at it, donate to a good cause.
If you're not able to make it into the shop, The Bookish Type have said "You will soon be able to donate online and we will personally deface a page with your message/doodle/scribble."
We're absolutely obsessed.
Find out more about The Bookish Type and if you can, pop in for a browse and a doodle whilst you're at it.
Featured image - The Bookish Type Leeds (Supplied)
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Leeds to be transformed into a giant board game as Trivial Pursuit takes over the city
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursiot arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
To mark 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is transforming the city into a live interactive version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, inviting residents and visitors to test their knowledge of all things Leeds.
It follows the huge success of the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover back in summer 2024 and this year, LeedsBID is once again working with leading game, IP and toy company Hasbro to bring another of its iconic games to life.
This time, the focus is on the stories, achievements and surprising facts that have shaped Leeds over four centuries.
Running from 25 July to 30 August 2026, the free experience will see participants journey across the city centre answering questions and collecting wedges, just like the classic trivia game.
Key locations will represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports & Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art & Literature.
Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro said: “After the incredible response to the MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover in 2024, we’re proud to collaborate with LeedsBID once again to reimagine another iconic brand in a bold new way.
"This is exactly how we think about Global Experiences at Hasbro - taking our brands beyond the table and creating experiences that are social, shareable and deeply connected to the communities they celebrate."
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, said: “TRIVIAL PURSUIT Leeds is about celebrating everything about this great city, from those headline facts and figures people know to the lesser-known surprising details and discoveries.
“LeedsBID’s raison d’etre is to put Leeds on the map and tell the stories and successes of the city. Trivial Pursuit Leeds is doing just that, providing a free, fun and entertaining activity for all ages while sharing new and interesting achievements of this amazing place.”
Danny Jones -
6th July 2023 
