How to Create an App Like Threads

Meta built Threads in just six months.

Can you really build such a great app in such a short amount of time, like six months?

Yes, you can. If you plan right, it’s not pie in the sky to build an app like Threads as Meta did! Follow along on this blog for exhaustive details on how to build an app like Threads and available monetization avenues  

What is The Meta Threads App?

Meta Inc. launched the Threads app on July 5, 2023. Threads made headlines by bagging 100 million accounts within five days of its launch as a next-gen social media platform.

Basically, it’s a lot like Twitter, tightly coupled with Instagram. Like the newly dubbed X Twitter, you can express your views and share pictures with your friends, but in threads.

"Threads is a public-friendly place to start conversations. It's about discussing things that have been on my mind,” said Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta.

In case you were skeptical as to if in the long run it is beneficial to create an app like Threads, here is why it is such a great opportunity to have an app like Threads.

Why Should You Develop an App Like Threads?

#1. Higher Market Demand

According to the latest reports, WhatsApp now has around 3 billion monthly active users, making it the most widely used messaging app globally. WeChat holds about 1.34 billion users, primarily concentrated in China. Facebook Messenger is used by over 1 billion people monthly.

#2. Better Revenue Potential Monetization Opportunities:

Messaging applications have monetization models through in-app advertising, subscriptions, as well as premium features, hence making it an endeavor worth the effort.

Now that reasons have been established firmly for creating Threads apps, let us consider their features. Features form the core attraction of any app like Instagram, which has reels.

What Features Do You Want?

A modern social or messaging app must have certain features to thrive. There has to be a user profile section where users can create and customize their accounts. Real-time messaging is compulsory so that users can send messages without delays, ensuring seamless communication between individuals. Apart from text support, multimedia sharing of photos, videos, and GIFs should be allowed in the app for more lively conversations between the parties involved. Push notifications are another integral part of the application as they will notify users about new messages or any activity taking place inside the application.

Search and filter options will also be available so that users will easily spot particular postings or accounts. Reactions and emojis make it possible for a user to show feelings, hence making engagement more natural. The possibility to edit or delete messages just as it can be done on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp gives the users total control over their conversations. 

Privacy is another very major aspect- security and privacy settings should allow users to set their profiles either as public or private. Other than that, a block and report feature ensures safety because it gives them the ability to control all the unwelcomed interactions. Lastly, analytics and user insight help both users and admins track activities, understand the pattern of engagement, and make improvements to the app experience based on data.

Step-by-Step Process to Develop Apps Like Threads

Stage #1: Define the app idea, key features, audience, and budget

Meta had been planning the app for eight years before launching! So what are the three pieces of planning that are supposed to be so critical?

• Business analysis - A preliminary stage, during which an idea is looked into and competition is analyzed; other activities include SWOT analysis, ROI calculation, and app scope. 
• Strategy - Market research aiming to establish the level of demand, definition of user persona, promotion strategy, and the like. 
• Human-like - Finally, you should list out what the app needs and explain how it works in the documentation.

2. Start Wireframing and Prototyping

The user flows and the screens of the application are built by UI/UX designers through wireframing.

3. Decide on Tech Stack

The tech stack has to be decided now. There can be multiple options, say Java, Kotlin for Android, Swift for iOS, and React Native or cross-platform applications.

4. Start Code Development

Finally, have a prototype, then hire developers to write the app based on the final prototype.

5. Testing and Making Sure of Quality

Unchecked bugs or mistakes would be an imposition, causing an obstacle for the end-user, so remove them prior to the app’s launch. QA makes certain that everything is perfectly functional in the initial implementation testing phase.

6. Deployment and Post-Deployment Maintenance

Once the app passes the QA test, deploy it on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. But the work doesn't end there. As users grow, you must maintain the app, update code, and resolve user queries.

How to Generate Revenue by Developing Threads App?

#1. In-app advertising

Statista says over USD 265 billion came through the channel, making it the top for app revenue. You may use in-app marketing, like banner and native ads, to make money. Some of the ad networks used for handling and displaying mobile ads include Google AdMob.

#2. Freemium Model

Here, provide basic features in the free version. For the premium version, the best example is Twitter taking $8 to verify a Twitter account.

#3. E-commerce Integration

This method can also be used as a way for brands and online stores to link their shop so users can buy products without even leaving the app. One can either take a small commission fee on every purchase or an e-commerce monthly subscription fee.

#4. Data Monetization

Apply this method cautiously. Most social apps give user data and insights for valuable market research and analysis services to outsiders. However, keep in keen adherence to privacy rules. Always get user consent before you share data with outsiders.

#5. Sponsored posts

Brands or individuals who need exposure can pay for sponsored posts. So, one can team up with them and earn revenue on special promotions or sponsored posts within the app.

How Can a Top App Development Company Help You?

Meta saw an opportunity to introduce Threads. Threads has been created by Meta in a ground-breaking six months and released what you would call an MVP – Minimum Viable Product.

The app is of huge potential, and you can be a part of it. The right app company will help you turn your idea into reality. Be a part of this: Choose the right technology company as your partner to develop your unique app and bring your big idea to life.

Reach out to Clarion Technologies, where we make the right planning, research, and execution to get done with our mobile app development services for coming first in the race of the next-gen apps. Hire dedicated developers now and get started with building the ultra-performing and exceptional apps!

FAQs

Q1. Why is Threads a hot topic in the town today?

After the drastic changes on Twitter, such as only some people being able to see posts, many people started looking for other apps. So when Meta launched Threads, which were basically a ‘twin’ to Twitter, it soon became a hot topic in town, having 70 million sign-ups in just two days!

Q2. How Does the Threads App Work?

Well, it’s a messaging service that lets anyone write texts and share their views or simply interact with the world at large.

Q3. What is the Development Cost of an App Similar to Threads?

The number of developers, designers, and testers one engages, their location, the complexity, UI/UX design, app development platform (Native/Cross-platform), etc., contribute to the cost of your app.