Threads.com Already Taken: Meta Chooses Threads.net for Competing with Twitter

[Domaining News]

When I first heard about Meta's plan to release a competitor to Twitter called Threads, I was curious about the domain name that would be used.



The obvious choice, Threads.com, is already taken by a company called "a Slack replacement designed for makers." This startup was established in 2019 and has received over $10 million in funding from Sequoia Capital.

This morning, Meta Founder Mark Zuckerberg posted the first Thread, revealing that the chosen domain name is Threads.net.

Based on the DomainTools Whois History tool, it seems that Threads.net was acquired earlier this year, possibly as recently as April. The domain was registered under NameFind, GoDaddy's domain name portfolio business. Prior to that, it belonged to Frank Schilling's Name Administration.

I tried to find the asking price for Threads.net but couldn't locate it. GoDaddy's appraisal tool values it at less than $10k, although it does mention a previous sale of Threads.net for $1,300. This could have been the original cost of acquisition for Frank Schilling.

It's been a long time since I last saw a major brand launch on a .net domain name. Considering Meta's goal of competing with Twitter, I assume they would eventually want to upgrade to Threads.com.

My thoughts on this matter: Domain names can play a significant role in establishing a brand's online presence. Choosing the right domain can enhance brand recognition and credibility. In this case, while Threads.net may suffice for now, acquiring Threads.com in the future could further solidify Meta's position in the market.

[BenNorman]

The decision by Meta to choose Threads.net for competing with Twitter indicates a strategic shift in their approach to branding and positioning. By opting for Threads.net, Meta is acknowledging the significance of securing a distinct and memorable domain name in the highly competitive social media landscape.
In the world of domain names, the availability of a .com extension is often considered the gold standard, as it's widely associated with credibility and authority. However, in this case, Meta's choice of Threads.net suggests that they are prioritizing differentiation and innovation over traditional domain name conventions.

From a branding perspective, the selection of Threads.net presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, Meta has the chance to establish a unique identity for their platform, distinct from Twitter and other social media networks. On the other hand, they will need to invest significantly in promoting and popularizing the .net extension to ensure widespread recognition and adoption.

Furthermore, the decision to opt for Threads.net reflects the evolving dynamics of digital branding and the growing emphasis on non-traditional domain extensions. It signifies a departure from conventional norms and signals Meta's willingness to embrace novel strategies in its quest to carve out a distinct space in the social media ecosystem.
Meta's choice of Threads.net underscores the evolving nature of digital branding and the increasing significance of domain names as strategic assets in today's competitive online environment. It will be intriguing to observe how this decision unfolds in the context of Meta's broader efforts to establish Threads.net as a formidable competitor to Twitter.