How to Build a Social Media App Like Threads? Process, Features, Cost

“We are working toward making Threads compatible with the open, interoperable social networks that we believe can shape the future of the internet.”–-Meta

The online world has buzzed since Mark Zuckerberg declared about launching Twitter’s rival app ‘Threads’. Built by the Instagram team, the text-based social media app gained over 30 million sign-ups in just 16 hours of its launch. The app has over 50 million downloads on Play Store and has been crowned the #2 social media app.

With such an impressive response from the public, it’s clear that Threads has struck a chord with users looking for fresh, innovative ways to engage in social media. High user engagement also presents lucrative business opportunities to invest in text-based social media apps, potentially leading to substantial profits.

This article will guide you through the entire journey of developing text-based applications like Threads. We’ll delve into its features and development process, along with an analysis of the cost variables that influence it.

What is Threads?

Threads is a text-based social media app that allows its users to post and interact using short messages. The app offers a smooth registration process, letting you use your existing Instagram login.

As you join the platform, you’ll automatically follow the same profiles that you do on Instagram. It allows you to share posts of up to 500 characters, as well as captivating images, gifs, and videos up to five minutes long. Threads combine the best parts of many social media platforms, creating a unique and enjoyable user experience.

How is Threads Similar and Different from Twitter?

Similarities

1. Concise Posts: Threads and Twitter both prioritize brief content, providing a platform for users to express their thoughts, concepts, and updates in a straightforward and compact manner.

2. Interaction Tools: Both platforms come with features that promote engagement like liking, sharing, and commenting on posts. Users have the ability to show their approval, redistribute content, and join in conversations.

3. Following System: Threads and Twitter both function based on a following system, where users can follow different profiles to see their updates and posts in their own feeds.

Differences

How to Build a Text-Based App like Threads?

To develop a text-based app similar to Threads, it’s crucial to engage the services of a dedicated mobile app development company like ScrumDigital, known for its proficiency in delivering comparable applications. Here’s a detailed step-by-step process that is undertaken to create a similar social media app:

1. Understanding the Requirement

To make an app that resonates with the audience and delivers value, it’s crucial to understand its purpose or the problem it aims to solve.

For a text-based app like Threads, for example, the goal could be to offer a space for focused conversations on diverse topics, allowing users to connect with like-minded individuals. The needs might include an intuitive user interface, robust privacy settings, and a seamless sign-up process.

Having a clear understanding of your app’s goals and needs will help guide every subsequent decision, from feature selection to marketing strategies.

2. Conducting Market Research

It’s vital to carry out comprehensive research to examine the market scenario, spot competitors, and glean insights about user tastes and current trends. This information will be crucial in refining the app’s overall idea and its positioning in the social media sector.

3. Designing and User Interface Development

Once the functionalities have been laid out, the next step involves generating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes to visualize the app’s interface and user experience. An app similar to Threads needs an intuitive and attractive design that matches the brand’s essence to quickly gain users’ interest.

4. Defining the Technical Architecture

This step of text-based app development includes outlining the necessary technology stack and infrastructure for the app’s development. It also involves selecting appropriate frameworks and coding languages based on scalability, performance, and compatibility needs.

5. Developing the Backend and Frontend

This stage includes building the backend infrastructure comprising servers, databases, APIs, and other required components. Implementing strong security measures to safeguard user information and ensure data privacy is a priority.

Subsequently, the app’s user interface elements, screens, and interactive features will be developed, focusing on responsiveness, usability, and smooth navigation across different devices and platforms.

6. Testing and Quality Assurance

A feature-rich app like Thread requires comprehensive testing to detect and fix any bugs, errors, or usability issues. Functional testing, compatibility testing, and user acceptance testing will be performed to ensure a flawless and smooth user experience.

7. Deploying and Maintaining the App

After deploying the app on the respective app stores, it’s essential to continually monitor its performance, collect user feedback, and make necessary updates and improvements to ensure uninterrupted operation across all platforms.

Features to Build an App like Threads

Thread presents a new way to have online conversations, enabling users to build communities focused on common interests. Here’s an overview of the initial essential features to consider while creating a text-based app akin to Threads:

1. Integration Made Easy

Threads facilitate users signing up via their existing Instagram account, which simplifies the process of connecting with Instagram friends and followers directly within the app.

2. Automatic Follow Feature

Threads automatically allow you to follow Instagram accounts you already follow as they join the app. This ensures you remain connected with your preferred contacts. You also have the option to search for and follow additional accounts to broaden your content exposure.

3. Advanced Messaging

Threads permit sharing of text, photos, links, quotes up to 500 characters, and videos up to five minutes long. Users can also share their content on their Instagram story while linking their Threads account with other apps.

4. User Interface

Threads maintain a familiar interface that resembles Twitter, complete with short text-based content, options for liking and reposting, and a feature for quoting threads similar to retweeting.

5. Community Building

Threads are designed to cultivate lively communities, encouraging users to engage in meaningful discussions and interact with those who share their interests.

6. Noise Reduction Feature

A notable feature of Threads is the ability to “Turn Out the Noise.” Users can customize their experience by choosing who can mention or reply to them, filtering out replies containing specific words, and managing profiles through options like unfollow, block, restrict, or report.

Any profiles blocked on Instagram will automatically be blocked on Threads, providing a more positive and focused conversation environment.

7. Interoperable Network Compatibility

Threads plans to integrate the ActivityPub protocol, an open social networking protocol established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

This feature will allow Threads to connect with other apps supporting the ActivityPub protocol, such as Mastodon and WordPress, providing a wider network for users to engage across different platforms.

Threads App Development Cost

To provide a ballpark figure, developing an app similar to Threads could range between $45,000 to $300,000. Various elements contribute to the total development cost, including the complexity of the app, the geographical location of the app development team, the range of features integrated into the app, the technology stack employed, and the design aesthetics, among others.

In general, as the app’s complexity increases, so does the cost. Although estimating the precise cost of developing a text-based app can be challenging, partnering with a specialized app development agency like Scrum Digital can provide a tailored budget based on your specific needs and expectations.

We will take into account factors like your desired features, target user base, and business objectives to offer a customized quote that aligns with your project.

How to Make Money from an App like Threads?

Developing an app like Threads can be an excellent investment, but it’s equally important to develop a robust monetization strategy to generate revenue from your app. Here are some of the most effective ways to make money from an app like Threads:

1. Advertisements

Advertising is one of the most common methods for making money from an app. You can allow businesses to run ads on your app and charge them based on various models such as Cost Per Click (CPC), Cost Per Impression (CPI), or Cost Per Action (CPA).

2. Sponsored Content

This is another form of advertising where you allow businesses or individuals to promote their content on your platform for a fee. This can be particularly effective on a platform like Threads, where content is king.

3. Subscription Model

You can offer premium features or ad-free experiences to users who subscribe to a monthly or yearly subscription. This model provides a consistent revenue stream.

4. In-app Purchases

You can offer in-app purchases where users can buy premium content, additional features, or digital goods. For instance, users could pay for additional customization options, early access to new features, or other benefits.

5. Partnerships and Collaborations

By partnering with other businesses, you can offer special deals, promotions, or services to your users and earn a commission in return.

6. Data Monetization

If your privacy policy allows, you can sell anonymized data insights to businesses and researchers. This data can provide valuable insights into consumer behavior, trends, and preferences.

7. Affiliate Marketing

You can earn a commission by promoting other brands’ products or services on your app.

Remember that the most effective monetization strategy often depends on your app’s nature, its target audience, and the value it provides. It’s essential to maintain a balance between monetization and user experience, as overly aggressive monetization can deter users and negatively impact your app’s success.

Why Choose ScrumDigital as your Text-based Social Media App Development Partner?

1. Expertise and experience: Benefit from ScrumDigital’s extensive knowledge and experience in developing text-based social media apps tailored to your needs.

2. Customized solutions: We understand your requirements and deliver personalized solutions for your app.

3. Efficient development process: ScrumDigital follows agile methodologies to ensure the timely delivery of your app.

4. Strong technical skills: Our skilled team possesses the technical expertise required for text-based social media app development.

5. Cost-effective solutions: They offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality standards.

Connect to ScrumDigital today!

Bottom Line

Social Media Marketing is crucial for app success, including one like Threads. Building it requires careful attention to processes, features, and costs. With a systematic development approach and key features like seamless integration, community building, and privacy controls, your app can thrive. Understanding cost factors is crucial. With expertise and planning, your app can stand out and offer users a unique experience.