In Pics: Meta launches Threads app; here's all you need to know about

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has launched a text-based conversation app, Threads, as a potential rival to Twitter. (Image: News18 Creative)

The app, billed as the text version of Meta's photo-sharing platform Instagram, is now available for download in Apple and Google Android app stores for people in more than 100 countries — including the US, Britain, Australia, Canada and Japan. (Image: News18 Creative)

Threads was built by the Instagram team, so Instagram users can log into Threads through their Instagram account. (Image: News18 Creative)

For now, only Instagram users can create Threads accounts. If you want to access Threads, you will have to sign up for Instagram first. (Image: News18 Creative)

Threads allows you to publish short posts or updates that are up to 500 characters. You can include links, photos or videos up to 5 minutes long. (Image: News18 Creative)

Your username and verification status will carry over from your Instagram account but you will also have options to customize other areas of your profile — including whether or not you want to follow the same people that you do on Instagram. (Image: News18 Creative)

“Threads” can run up to 500 characters — compared with Twitter’s 280-character threshold. (Image: News18 Creative)

Threads can include links, photos and videos up to five minutes long. (Image: News18 Creative)