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Meta's new Twitter rival, a 'text-based conversation app' called Threads, is available to pre-download in the US

Instagram's new app "Threads" is listed on Google Play android app store, pictured is a screenshot of the product from the listing
Instagram's new Twitter-like app, called Threads, is now available to pre-download in the US App Store. Screengrab/Google Play/Instagram; Insider/Sydney Bradley
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Instagram's new Twitter clone is now available for pre-order in the US. The app, called Threads, is expected to officially drop July 6, according to its App Store description.

Over the weekend, several people spotted that the new app was listed on the Google Play app store for Android. Alessandro Paluzzi, an Italian mobile developer who reverse engineers Instagram code to reveal internal tests, posted about the app listing on July 1. 

The app description currently reads:

"Say more with Threads — Instagram's text-based conversation app

Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what'll be trending tomorrow. Whatever it is you're interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things — or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions and creativity with the world."

In June, The Verge's Alex Heath reported leaked screenshots of the product, as well as details from an internal meeting with Meta's chief product officer, Chris Cox. The app has been in development since January, according to the report. 

Threads will integrate a decentralized protocol similar to competitors Bluesky and Mastodon.

Silicon Valley executives have already chimed in on Twitter about the new platform. Jack Dorsey, Twitter co-founder and former CEO, tweeted a screenshot of the app's privacy policy on Monday

Instagram did not respond to Insider's request for comment.

Do you have information or details to share about Instagram's new app? Contact Sydney Bradley via Signal (+1 646-580-2044), encrypted email (sydneykbradley@proton.me), or standard email (sbradley@insider.com). Reach out using a non-work device.

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Amanda Perelli was a senior creator economy reporter.Her reporting on a secretive OnlyFans management firm was recognized by the LA Press Club's National Entertainment Journalism Awards as its top Business Tech and Arts story in 2022. She was also named a Top Voice in the Creator Economy by LinkedIn (follow her profile here).Got a tip? Follow Amanda on Instagram at @amandaperelliPopular articles
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Sydney Bradley
Sydney Bradley has been covering media and tech for Business Insider since 2020. She breaks news and writes extensively about Instagram and Facebook, as well as new social media startups, dating apps, the creator economy, venture capital, and tech culture.She regularly contributes to BI's "After Hours" series, where our reporters dive into the social scenes shaping tech, media, and finance.Sydney's reporting on Instagram was nominated as a finalist for the 2021 Los Angeles Press Club National Entertainment Journalism Awards.She graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in American Studies. You can follow Sydney's work on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram at @sydneykbradley.Have a tip? You can also contact her via encrypted messaging app Signal (@sydneykbradley.123), encrypted email (sydneykbradley@proton.me), or standard email (sbradley@bjinnox.com). Use a personal email address, a nonwork WiFi network, and a nonwork device; here’s our guide to sharing information securely.