What is Threads?
You may have been hearing a lot about “Threads” recently. An impressive force, Threads has amassed an astonishing 150 million users in only a couple of weeks.
Even more intriguing? It’s being touted as the “Twitter killer”. So, what’s all the buzz about?
At its core, Threads is a microblogging platform, much like Twitter. A platform where you express your thoughts, feelings, and whatever catches your fancy, Threads comes with a generous 500-character limit per post, which gives it an edge over Twitter’s 280 characters. This means you get to express yourself more, and in better detail, giving your audience a fuller understanding of your thoughts.
Despite some saying it doesn’t bring much new to the table, Threads has still managed to carve a niche for itself. Its intuitive design and user-friendly interface make it easier for users to share media and create posts. Rather than having to chase multiple replies and sub-replies, Threads enables you to follow each conversation from start to finish with ease.
And with all the recent controversies surrounding Twitter, Threads is standing tall as a promising alternative. So yes, Threads might lack some features, but it’s a powerful contender, evident by the massive number of users running to the platform.
If you’ve never heard of Threads, or if you’re unsure about how to use it to your advantage, this article is here to help. By the end of this guide, you’ll be threading like a pro.
How To Get Started on Threads?
Getting started with Threads is a piece of cake, no hoops or hurdles. From setting up your account to making your first post, we’ll guide you through the entire process. It doesn’t matter if you’re tech-savvy or a novice. Trust us, you’ll be posting your first Thread in no time. Now, are you ready to begin your Threads experience? Let’s get you up and running!
1. Download the Threads App
Before you can start exploring and experiencing the conversations on Threads, you need to get the app on your device.
Currently, Threads is only available on mobile platforms – both Android and iOS.
So, grab your smartphone, open up your app store (Google Play for Android users and App Store for iOS users) and search for ‘Threads’. It’s that simple.
Once you find it, hit ‘Install’ or ‘Get’, and the app will download and install itself onto your device.
Voila! You are now one step closer to your first Threads post.
2. Sign in with Instagram
Once the Threads app is downloaded on your device, it’s time to get you signed in. Threads and Instagram are siblings under the Meta family, so you’ll need an Instagram account to log into Threads.
Upon opening Threads for the first time, you’ll be asked to log in using your Instagram credentials. If you have an Instagram account, simply input your username and password and you’ll be logged into Threads. Now, your Instagram and Threads accounts are linked!
But what if you don’t have an Instagram account yet?
Don’t worry – you can create one right from the Threads app! As you start the app, instead of signing in, choose ‘Create New Account’. Follow the instructions to set up your new Instagram account, and once that’s done, you’ll be automatically logged into Threads.
Do note, however, that deactivating Threads will only remove your presence from the app, but your account will still exist. If you wish to completely erase your Threads account, you’ll need to delete your Instagram account, as they are essentially two sides of the same coin.
So, think carefully before making any final decisions.
3. Create A Threads Profile
With your account logged in, it’s time to personalize your Threads presence. Here’s where you create your Threads profile.
One of the great things about Threads is its integration with Instagram. It allows you to import your Instagram bio and link directly to your Threads profile. But if you prefer to craft a distinct identity on Threads, you can also create a fresh bio without importing from Instagram.
4. Add a Profile Photo
Next is adding your profile photo. This photo will be the face you present to the Threads community. To add or change your profile image, look for the icon resembling a person encircled by a plus (+) symbol beside your username, and give it a tap. This will allow you to replace or add a photo.
It’s important to note that if your Instagram account has a blue check mark (meaning you’re verified), you won’t have the ability to select a different profile picture for Threads. In this case, your verified Instagram profile picture is carried over.
5. Privacy Settings
Now comes an important decision: do you want a public or a private profile?
If you opt for a public profile, anyone using Threads can interact with your threads and follow your account. If you prefer a more controlled environment where you can manually approve followers, select the private profile option.
It’s your choice depending on your comfort level and how you want to interact with the Threads community.
6. Start Following People
Now that your Threads profile is all set up, it’s time to start interacting with others on the platform, and following people is a fundamental part of this process.
Upon accessing Threads, you’ll notice a list displaying individuals you’re following on Instagram. If you’d like to keep the same connections on Threads, there’s an easy shortcut – simply tap ‘Follow all’, and you’ll instantly follow everyone on your Instagram list on Threads.
If you prefer a more curated list on Threads, you have the option to individually select and follow users by tapping ‘Follow’ next to their names.
When you decide to follow a user with a public profile, the process is straightforward. You’ll gain immediate access to their threads and can begin interacting with their posts.
But following a private profile user adds an extra step to the process. You’ll have to wait for them to approve your follow request, adding a layer of privacy to their account.
And if there’s someone you’re following who hasn’t made their way to Threads yet, don’t worry! Once they create their Threads account, you’ll automatically start following them if you’ve already sent a follow request. In case they opt for a private profile, they will receive a follow request from you upon their first login.
7. Join the Community
Congratulations! You’re just a step away from becoming a part of the Threads community. To complete this final step, read and agree to the terms of service provided by Threads.
Once you click on “Join Threads”, your initiation is complete. Welcome aboard! You’re now an official Threads user!
How To Use the Threads App?
Okay, you’ve jumped in, and you’re officially a part of the Threads community. Great job! Now, it’s time to get active.
Using Threads isn’t complex since it’s built with simplicity in mind. But to help you master this platform quickly, we’ve put together a quick guide that will walk you through the key features and functionalities of Threads.
1. Exploring the Home Screen
The home screen is your hub for all things Threads. Here, you can check your feed, which amalgamates content from users you follow and recommendations tailored for you.
Threads takes a different path than Twitter, which traditionally has separate feeds for followed and suggested content. Instead, Threads embodies a concept reminiscent of Instagram’s discovery and follow pages, merging them into one unified stream of content.
This unique blend aims to create a smoother and more seamless user experience, broadening your content exposure while maintaining the essence of personalization.
2. Discover Profiles with Search
Threads comes with a straightforward search feature, primarily designed to help you discover new profiles.
While it might not have the keyword or term search capabilities of Twitter, the functionality in Threads is streamlined for profile discovery. Just type in a username, and you’ll be directed to their Threads profile.
If you like what you see, you can choose to follow the user and add their content to your feed. Despite its simplicity, this feature serves a critical purpose in expanding your Threads network.
3. Engage with Posts
Liking posts on Threads is a simple yet powerful way to engage with the community. Much like other social media platforms, all you need to do is tap the heart button adjacent to a post. Once you’ve given a post your seal of approval, the user will be notified of your interaction.
To keep tabs on your activity or view posts you’ve liked, you can head over to the heart icon located at the bottom of your interface. It’s a quick and easy way to show your appreciation for content and interact with other users on the platform.
4. Replying to a Post
Threads provides an easy-to-use system for engaging in existing conversations.
Want to share your insights or comments on a particular thread? Tap on the chat bubble icon beneath the thread. You can then craft your reply, keeping in mind the 500-character limit — an opportunity to get creative with your words.
Looking to make your response even more engaging? Use the paperclip icon to attach a photo or video from your device, bringing your reply to life and adding an extra dimension to the conversation.
5. Spread the Word: Reposting
Reposting on Threads is a feature designed to share content you appreciate with your followers, similar to Twitter’s retweet function. All it takes is a tap on the two curved arrows beneath a post, followed by selecting ‘Repost’.
Now, you’re not just a consumer but a curator of content, helping to spread meaningful or exciting threads throughout the community.
6. Making it Personal: Quoting
To add a layer of personalization to reposting, Threads offers a ‘Quote’ feature. Like reposting, quoting lets you share a thread with your followers.
Although, it takes a step further by allowing you to add your own thoughts or commentary before reposting. This feature offers an excellent opportunity to express your views, add context, or start a new conversation based on an existing thread. It’s a simple yet powerful tool for enhancing engagement and encouraging discussions on Threads.
How To Create Your Own Thread in the Threads App?
Alright, you’ve mastered the art of interaction on Threads, now it’s time to create some content of your own. Creating your own thread isn’t just about throwing words into the digital ether; it’s about sharing your thoughts, ideas, or experiences with the community.
1. Kickstart a New Thread
The adventure of creating a new thread begins with a simple tap. Look at the bottom of your app interface, you’ll spot an icon symbolizing ‘New Threads’ — imagine it as a fresh canvas awaiting your creativity, represented by a sheet of paper with a pen. Tapping this icon will lead you to a new window, your personal space to sculpt your thoughts, ideas, or stories into a thread.
2. Drafting Your Post
This is where the magic happens. Drafting your post is your moment to shine, your chance to turn ideas into text and images.
Threads offers you 500 characters, a generous limit providing you ample space to express yourself.
Want to go beyond words? You have the liberty to include up to 10 photos or videos, enriching your thread with diverse media. Don’t forget, your videos can be as long as five minutes!
Though Threads doesn’t use hashtags, it compensates by encouraging you to paint vivid pictures using multimedia, creating more immersive experiences for your audience.
3. Post Your Thread
Once your thread is polished and ready, it’s time for the big reveal. The ‘Post’ button will be your magic wand, turning your draft into a live thread.
Depending on your account settings, your thread can reach different audiences.
- With a public account, your post greets both your followers and potentially appears in others’ feeds, giving them the chance to engage with your content.
- For a more intimate circle, a private account ensures only your followers catch a glimpse.
Every thread you post also makes a home on your profile, accessible through the ‘Threads’ and ‘Replies’ tabs.
4. Keeping the Conversation Going
A thread is more than a one-off post; it’s a living conversation that can grow and evolve. If you find yourself wanting to add more to your initial thread, the good news is that you can. It’s as simple as commenting on someone else’s post.
With the ability to continually add to your original thread, you keep the conversation alive, creating engagement and allowing for deeper exploration of the topic at hand. This is your story, and it doesn’t have to end with a single post.
Threads vs Twitter
In the blue corner, we have Twitter, the heavyweight champion of microblogging, with its rapid-fire, character-limited tweets that have shaped online discourse for over a decade.
In the red (black?) corner, we have the newcomer Threads, with a massive user base of 150 million and counting, offering an intuitive platform that’s as easy to use as pouring a cup of coffee.
Let’s break it down, point for point. Here’s how Threads and Twitter stack up against each other:
1. Character Limit
Twitter has had us crafting our thoughts into 280 characters for years, teaching us the art of being succinct. Threads, on the other hand, loosens the reins a bit, allowing for 500 characters. It’s not a novel, but it’s enough space for you to truly express yourself without feeling crammed.
2. Media Presentation
Twitter allows you to attach photos, GIFs, or videos to your tweets, but the layout leaves much to be desired and has a limit of 4 images/videos. Threads takes a leaf out of Instagram’s book, providing a visually pleasing and intuitive media presentation that enhances user engagement with 10 optional image/video slots.
3. Search Functionality
Twitter has an upper hand here, with its powerful search engine that lets you find tweets by keywords, phrases, or usernames. Threads’ search feature is significantly underdeveloped, mainly allowing you to search for profiles rather than specific content. Hopefully, this will change in the near future.
4. Feed Structure
Twitter splits its feed into two: one for tweets from people you follow, and another for trending content. Threads opts for a unified feed, blending content from people you follow with suggested posts.
5. User Interface
Threads has an edge here, with a clean, minimalist interface that feels intuitive to navigate. Twitter, while certainly not complex, does have a steeper learning curve for new users, particularly with its unique language of hashtags and symbols.
6. Content-Type
Twitter is all about text, links, and sometimes, media. Threads, however, has a higher emphasis on visual content, making it a more attractive option for those who love to share photos or videos.
Which is Better, Threads or Twitter?
In the end, both Twitter and Threads have their unique strengths and cater to different user needs. Twitter excels with its powerful search engine and unique social language, while Threads shines with its intuitive, media-friendly interface and greater character limit.
Choose the platform that resonates with your social media preferences, or better yet, leverage the strengths of both to amplify your online presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Join Threads Without an Instagram Account?
Unfortunately no, Threads and Instagram are two peas in a pod. To hop on the Threads bandwagon, you need to have an existing Instagram account. Don't have one? No problem. You can create a new Instagram account during your Threads sign-up process. Remember, these two accounts will be linked!
How Can I Unhide My Threads Badge on Instagram?
Joining Threads instantly adds a nifty little Threads badge to your Instagram account. You'll spot this right under your Instagram profile picture. But hey, if you're not into that and prefer a cleaner look, there's a simple solution.
A quick tap on the Threads badge will present you with the option to 'Hide Badge'. Confirming this action by selecting 'Remove the Badge' will make it vanish for good. So choose wisely, as there's no coming back from this!
Can I Edit My Threads Post?
Currently, Meta hasn't equipped us with an edit option for Threads. Your only move is to delete the original post, correct it, and then re-upload.
Interestingly, Twitter did introduce an 'Edit' feature after user requesting it for years, but it’s exclusively for Twitter Blue subscribers.
We're holding out hope that Meta could soon follow suit with Threads, but until that day arrives, patience is our best bet!
Can I Use Multiple Accounts on Threads?
No, Threads does not support multiple account usage. So, as it stands now, you can only operate one account per login, meaning that profile switching isn't currently possible. While frustrating, especially for users with multiple businesses, this feature may come in the future.
How Can I Follow My Friends on Threads?
Give the search icon at the bottom of your screen a tap. This whisks you away to a search page where you can hunt for folks using their real names or Instagram handles.
And it doesn't stop at just friends. You can also search and follow celebrities, actors, musicians, and more, much like other social media platforms.
How Can I Import My Instagram Followers to Threads?
Right now, there's no way to bulk import your Instagram followers over to Threads. Instead, your followers will have the opportunity to follow you on Threads when they join the platform.
Why are Hashtags Not Working on Threads?
Currently, Threads isn't rocking the hashtag game. Even if you include them in your post, they're not going to be clickable or searchable like you're used to on other platforms. However, keep your eyes peeled – this could change down the line.
Can I Share GIFs on Threads?
Kind of a yes, kind of a no. Threads does not come with a built-in GIF keyboard like Twitter does. However, you can definitely share a GIF you've saved to your device's gallery. So while it's a bit of a manual process, it's definitely doable!
