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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Crossed Wires festival brings huge £6.6m boost to Sheffield as its impact is revealed
The world's biggest podcast festival, Crossed Wires, continues its magnificent rise in just its third year.
It's safe to say that the festival has had its landmark year, with this year's independent economic assessment confirming the 2026 festival generated £6.65 million in total economic impact.
After doubling footfall to a whopping 50,000 attendees in 2026, the festival has further cemented its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing cultural festivals.Â
Alongside its strong local community roots, it may come as a surprise that just over half (52%) of festivalgoers travelled from outside of South Yorkshire, with 40% outside the UK North and Midlands.
Image: Supplied
It's amazing news for the festival which launched just three years ago and has rapidly evolved from an ambitious start-up festival into a nationally significant event.
South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard said:Â "When we backed Crossed Wires in its early days, we knew South Yorkshire had the talent, creativity and ambition to make something truly special. What's happened since has been incredible.
"Tens of thousands of people have come to our region, filling venues, supporting local businesses and bringing millions of pounds into our economy. That's good news for Sheffield and for our communities right across South Yorkshire."
Images: Supplied
Co-Founder Dino Sofos, said: “We’re delighted to see Crossed Wires become one of South Yorkshire’s biggest cultural events in just three years. There’s a real buzz around the festival, and reaching 50,000 attendees while generating over £6million for the local economy this year shows the scale of what we’ve created - and its potential to grow even further."
We can't wait to see the future of Crossed Wires festival, and we're already looking forward to the next instalment taking place from 1 - 4 July 2027. We'll see you there.
Cult burger brand Burgerism opens takeaway outside of Manchester in a Leeds suburb
Clementine Hall
The North West’s most ordered burger has landed in Leeds, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by so many.Â
If you don't know about Burgerism, then get to know.
The iconic burger brand, which started life as a dark kitchen off an industrial estate in Salford, is now almost ready to welcome fans into its first Leeds location.
Set to open tomorrow – Wednesday 23 September – Burgerism will be serving up their signature smash burgers from a new site over in Meanwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The site sits right next to The Meadwood Tavern on Meanwood Road, the perfect location for if you're out and about and looking for a bit of grub after a few pints.
The interior is sporting the bright Burgerism orange, and although it is mainly a takeaway restaurant there are a few seats for sit-in.
You’ll be able to order your food at the counter, via self-service kiosks, or through click-and-collect on the Burgerism website.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Highlights on the menu will, as always, include the fan-favourite Cheesed (two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and the brand’s signature sauce, served in a seeded brioche bun), as well as a range of chicken burgers, fries, and wings.
Everything is made fresh to order, and even their sauces and dips are made entirely in-house.Â
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And the good stuff doesn't stop there, as to celebrate the grand opening they'll be giving away the first 100 customers from 5pm a 'Comeback Card' where you'll eat on them during your next visit. So get there early if you don't want to miss out
The Meanwood site will be the sixth Burgerism site following its five openings elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
Danny Jones -
6th July 2023 
