The competition to become the next superior text-based platform has begun in the social media landscape.
Twitter’s rebranding to X and the emergence of Threads have highlighted an undeniable truth: people crave a text-based hub. With short-form video app TikTok entering the race by introducing its text-only post feature in early July, many may consider this an indication that textual content is again about to predominate in the social media realm. Yet, the real key to victory in this competition lies in creating a strong sense of community among users.
Media Versatility Is Key to Attracting Platform Users
The versatility of media formats can be considered as a measurement of inclusiveness for a social media platform. With a diverse range of media formats, users are more inclined to participate on the platform as they now have the flexibility to select mediums that resonate most with their preferred mode of self-expression. Many social media platforms are now adding new features in hopes of attracting more users to join their community. For instance, Twitch has rolled out a discovery feed with a TikTok-like short clip feature to enable offline creators to engage with fresh audiences without prolonged live sessions.
Text-Based Microblogging and Content Accessibility Wins the Game
X (formerly known as Twitter) is a text-based social platform and also a pivotal news source for its users. Users can navigate topics of interest and the latest news, ranging from political debates to the worst dress at the 2023 Met Gala. X is a distinct community identity that describes a group of people looking for instant news topics. Through hyper-active microblogging and features that enable real-time information updates, users can interact with the content they are interested in by browsing trending topics and searching with hashtags.
The introduction of Threads is Meta’s approach to text-based content. Threads has made strides in incorporating text-based features, but it’s built on the fundamentals of Instagram, requiring users to sign up with their Instagram accounts. Instagram’s unique selling proposition has always been focused on expressing individuality through visual content, primarily photos and videos.
While Threads had achieved 50 million daily active users at its peak in early July, it has gradually declined to around 10 million users.
Despite Threads’ attempt to expand its text-based capabilities, the focus on individuality and limitations in searching content make it challenging for Threads users to find like-minded individuals or communities that align with their interests. Its identity remains rooted in visuals, and it’s this visual-centric approach that sets it apart and makes it unlikely to supplant X.
The Competition Goes On
Users are given more mediums of expression on different platforms to engage and structure their digital community identity.
Another text-based app on the rise is Bluesky, launched by Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, and it is stated to be the best Twitter alternative so far. Its features and in-app interfaces not only feel and work like Twitter, but they are also ad-free. Mastodon is another app that has seen a large influx of users. The platform is decentralized and includes thousands of individual communities for users to join. However, it requires one to apply for membership to join communities, making it less accessible for users to participate.
A community-centric social media platform called Playsee also provides users with a digital space to connect with people within their geo-location over shared interests. Playsee’s community feature further allows users to foster a sense of community through text-based microblogging among local users.
Text, a primary means of communication, builds communities online, turning social media into a powerful tool for fostering connections. In the ever-changing digital landscape, it’s evident that our path forward will prioritize meaningful conversations and connections, shaping communication and community in new and inspiring ways.
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