THREADS 101: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INSTAGRAM’S NEW MESSAGING APP
By Laura Lawrence | October 17, 2023
Threads is one of the newest apps in the social media world and it’s already gaining a lot of momentum. Here’s a breakdown of what it is, how to use it, and why it might be a good addition to your business’s social strategy!
What exactly is Threads?
Threads was developed and launched by the Instagram team, and it’s THE place for text-based messaging, conversations, and updates. During its debut weekend the app received over 100 million sign ups. However, within weeks the app witnessed a huge drop in users, now down nearly 85% from initial launch. As a similar platform, X (formally Twitter) continues to maintain a solid active user base, and even claims to now have a record-breaking number of active users since its rebranding less than a year ago.
How do I find Threads on Instagram?
It’s easy (and free)! If you’re a new Threads user and already on Instagram, download the Threads app and click on your username at the bottom of the screen. That’s it! Creating an entirely new account isn’t necessary since the two platforms are linked to one another. In fact, you’ll notice that once you’ve signed up, you’re given the option to import accounts you already follow on Instagram.
You’ll also notice that the app automatically pushes a badge to your Instagram profile page. This temporary badge lets followers know that you have a Threads account. Anyone can click on that badge and it will take them directly to your Threads page where they can enjoy all the amazing content you’re putting out into the Meta-verse!
Side Note: If you aren’t an Instagram user you can’t join Threads. You must have an IG account!
How is Threads different from Instagram?
Unlike Instagram, Threads has a character limit of 500. This ensures that content is kept short and sweet, further supporting the app as a place for conversations rather than longer, more information-based posts. Comparative to X, however, whose character limit is 280, Threads allows for a little more expression. There’s also no direct messaging or hashtags
How is Threads similar to Instagram?
You CAN post videos and photos in Threads as you would normally do on Instagram. You can also link websites and articles. Interactive components are also very similar, where the heart icon, quote bubble, repost button, and airplane icon allow for further opportunities to interact with user content.
Nearly identical to Instagram’s user interface are the home, search, post, activity, and profile icons at the very bottom of the screen. Overall, the look is very similar but with a heavier text focus.
How does Threads compare to X?
Although the two seem similar at first glance, they do have some differences that are worth noting. Videos on X are limited to under 3 minutes unless a user is subscribed to Twitter Blue. There’s also no verification option for X users unless, again, they are a subscriber to the upgraded experience. X also limits how many posts a user can read per day. What’s not limited on X is one’s ability to practice freedom of speech to an extent that might turn other users away from the app. Since Elon Musk acquired the social platform, the community standards and guidelines have loosened significantly and this is something that some businesses might choose to avoid.
Who’s using Threads?
Initially, everyone! The platform could eventually find a steady path with more consistent user numbers but only time will tell. When we look at demographic insights, nearly 37% of Threads users are in the age range of 18-24 years old while X and Instagram have a slightly older following (SensorTower).
Why is Threads a good addition to your business’s social presence?
Aside from the obvious benefits (engagement, enhanced visibility, networking), a lot of Threads is text-based and therefore requires less effort to create assets like videos or graphics. While photos and other visuals are recommended to incorporate into your content to make it more engaging, it isn’t required. Threads is also a great option if your business already has a substantial following on Instagram.
My final thoughts on Threads!
As a new “Threader” (is that a thing?) I find the app visually appealing. It has the Instagram vibe but feels cleaner and easier to digest. I appreciate the text being the first thing I see, and the visual (if present) the second. This gives me a little context to what I’m seeing. Also, the shorter text is appreciated. It’s not too much, nor is it too little. 500 characters maximum to me feels like a sweet compromise between needing to get a point across and adding some emotion to it. I also really like the “activity” window, where I can sort follows, replies, mentions, quotes, and reposts.
Bottom line, this app is a given if you’re looking to maximize your social presence. The simple feature of automatically transferring existing accounts I follow from Instagram over to Threads takes away the sometimes-overwhelming feeling of setting up a new platform. It’s nothing fancy, and it shouldn’t be. In a world with lots of platform options this one feels surprisingly refreshing.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT META’S NEWEST APP?
LAURA LAWRENCE
Laura is a Social Media Content Creator at AMR Digital. When she’s not writing and creating amazing content, you can find her tending to her chicken coups, teaching Jazzercise courses, or adventuring with her husband and kids!