By: Kira Holden
In the world of social media, communication platforms are constantly evolving to meet users' changing needs. Threads, a relatively new app, has garnered attention as the most rapidly growing social networking platform. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about Threads, its features, and how you can get started.
Threads vs. Twitter: The Key Differences
Threads and Twitter share similarities in terms of being platforms for communication, but Threads has a crucial differentiator - it allows users to create a Threads account using their existing Instagram account. This integration means that all your followers and the people you are following on Instagram will seamlessly transfer over to your Threads account. While Threads is linked to your Instagram, it functions as a separate app, offering a focused and dedicated space for communication.
The app has quickly gained popularity, boasting a massive user base of 100,000,000 users. Notably, Instagram is actively onboarding celebrities and influencers onto Threads, creating a lively and engaging experience for its users.
Features that Set Threads Apart
Threads offers a unique text-only feed format that also supports images and videos within the posts. This format stands in contrast to Twitter's recent changes, which faced criticism since Elon Musk’s takeover last year, for altering the user experience, introducing rate limits on tweets, and requiring users to purchase Twitter Blue for editing tweets and obtaining verification checkmarks.
Threads was not without its share of drama when it launched, as Elon Musk's lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter on the very same day. This incident hints at the brewing tension between Musk and Facebook's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.
How to Get Started on Threads in 4 Simple Steps
If you're intrigued by Threads and want to join the community, here's how you can get started:
Step 1: Download the App and Create an Account
Head to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and search for "Threads, an Instagram app" to download and install the application. Since Threads is linked to your existing Instagram account, sign in using your preexisting Instagram credentials with the "log in with Instagram" section at the bottom of the welcome page.
Step 2: Fill Out Your Profile
Once you've successfully logged in, you'll be guided to the Profile screen. Here, you can enter new details or import your existing Instagram bio to get your Threads profile up and running.
Step 3: Choose Your Privacy Settings
Threads offers two privacy options:
Public Profile: Anyone using Threads can see, share, and interact with your content.
Private Profile: Only your approved followers can view and engage with your content, ensuring a more selective audience.
Step 4: Import the Accounts You Already Follow
Threads provides the option to automatically follow all the accounts you're currently following on Instagram. Alternatively, you can individually select from your current list the people you wish to follow on Threads.
Impressive Features and Growing Popularity
Threads offers a generous character limit, allowing up to 500 characters per thread - almost double Twitter's 280-character limit. Moreover, the app enables easy cross-posting from Threads to your Instagram story by simply clicking the paper airplane icon and selecting "Add to story."
Additionally, if you're already verified on Instagram, you'll carry that verification over to Threads. Presently, Threads is ad-free, providing an uninterrupted scrolling experience for its users. However, it's worth noting that this might change in the future as the platform evolves.
In conclusion, Threads offers a compelling alternative to traditional social media communication, building upon the foundation of Instagram to create a vibrant and interactive space for users. With its unique text-only feed and integration with Instagram, Threads is rapidly becoming familiar among millions of users worldwide. It’s important to note that there will most likely be changes made to the platform as they receive user feedback. Why not give it a try and see what Threads has in store for you?