San Francisco, CA - Instagram's Threads app, a text-based social media platform that is being positioned as a competitor to Twitter, is set to launch on July 6. The app's launch comes as a number of users are leaving Twitter following Elon Musk's acquisition of the company.

Threads is a standalone app that is linked to Instagram. It allows users to share text, photos, and videos with a select group of friends. The app also has a number of features that are designed to make it easier for users to stay connected, such as a "nearby" feature that shows users who are in their vicinity.

In a statement, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, said that Threads is "designed to help you connect with the people who matter most to you." The company added that the app is "a place where you can share your thoughts, photos, and videos with your close friends in a more intimate way."

The launch of Threads comes as Twitter is facing a number of challenges. In recent months, the company has been criticized for its handling of misinformation and hate speech. Musk's acquisition of Twitter has also raised concerns about the company's future direction.

Some users have expressed hope that Threads will be a more welcoming and inclusive platform than Twitter. Others have said that they are simply looking for a new place to connect with friends and family.

It remains to be seen whether Threads will be able to succeed in the face of competition from Twitter and other social media platforms. However, the app's launch is a sign that Meta is serious about competing in the text-based social media space.

In other news:

• Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has endorsed Threads, calling it a "great idea."
• Elon Musk has not commented on Threads.
• The app is currently available for pre-order on the App Store.