Exploring Threads by Meta: A New Era of Connected Conversations

Threads is a new app, built by the Instagram team (owned by Meta, formerly known as Facebook), for sharing text updates and joining public conversations. You log in using your Instagram account and posts can be up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length.

Will Threads Replace Twitter?

Threads was actually launched by Meta in September 2021. Since then, it has undergone several updates and improvements to enhance user experience and address user needs. The latest version of the App was launched on the 6th of July 2023 as a direct rival to Twitter in the microblogging arena. It was launched in over 100 countries and at the time of writing has over 100 million users.

It is worth noting that Threads and Twitter serve different purposes, and it is unlikely that Threads will replace Twitter entirely. They have different user bases and social interaction needs, but let's wait and see how each channel develops and how users react!

Not sure how to get on it or what to do with Threads? Read on to find out the key features of Threads and explore its potential impact on the social media landscape.

How To Get Started With Threads

First download the Thread App from the Google Play or App Store on your phone. Threads is designed primarily for mobile devices. At the time of writing Threads is only available on Android and iOS mobile devices, not on desktop computers:

• Threads for iOS (Apple)
• Threads for Android

You'll be asked to login with your Instagram account details. If you have more than one Instagram account tap on "Switch Accounts".

Write a new bio and add a link or you can import automatically from Instagram.

You'll be asked if you want your Threads account to be private or public. Everyone who is under 16 (or under 18 in certain countries) will be defaulted into a private profile when they join Threads. 

You can choose to follow the same accounts you do on Instagram by tapping "Follow All". By doing this you will find more people who care about the same things you do. 

The next screen will tell you how Threads works. Tap "Join Thread" to start using it.

You will be brought to your home screen which is your feed on Threads, where you see other people's Threads. To navigate through the app, tap the icons at the bottom of the screen: Home, Search, New Thread, Activity and Profile.

From your profile, tap on the lines in the top right to access settings. In the Privacy section you can control who can mention you or reply to you within Threads and add hidden words to filter out replies to your threads that contain specific words.

You can unfollow, block, restrict or report a profile on Threads by tapping the three-dot menu, and any accounts you’ve blocked on Instagram will automatically be blocked on Threads.

Thread posts can be easily shared to your Instagram story, or share your post as a link on any other platform you choose. To delete a thread, tap on the three dots on the top right of a Thread.

Linking Threads With Instagram

To access Threads from Instagram tap on the threads icon on the top right from your Profile screen. Make sure this is on your profile so people can easily visit you on Threads.

If you do not see the Threads icon on your Instagram profile, from your profile screen, tap "Edit Profile", scroll down to "Show Threads shortcut" and make sure this is turned on. Swipe the button right so it is blue and not grey. Then tap "Done" in the top right.

You can remove the Threads icon if you wish, by tapping and holding. You will not be able to do this by mistake and Instagram will double check you want to remove the Threads icon.

What To Use Threads For?

As Threads is still in its infancy, people are still experimenting as to what works well on Threads. So far it has resonated positively with those who enjoy sharing personal moments and engaging with close friends.

It encourages genuine connections by allowing users to focus on a more exclusive audience, eliminating the noise of public platforms. Threads is ideal for sharing candid pictures, videos, and thoughts that might not be suited for a wider audience on other social media platforms.

If you are a business wondering if you should be on Threads, it depends on your target audience and social media strategy. Brands with close-knit communities, niche interests or exclusive customer segments might find Threads beneficial. 

Threads' success lies in its intimate and personal nature, so businesses must approach it with authenticity and a genuine desire to connect with their customers on a deeper level.

Don't just jump on the next shiney new social media channel, without having a plan. Remember not to spread yourself too thinly across the social media channels you are on. Ensure you have enough resource (time, people and money) to manage all your social media channels effectively.

Powering The Future Of Social Media 

Meta claims that Threads will be compatible with open social networking, which means Threads will help people find their community, no matter what app or social media network they are on. It will be interesting to see how Threads develops and users respond over the coming months and years.

With Threads, Meta has introduced a unique approach to social media conversations, emphasizing authentic and intimate connections. While it may not replace Twitter, Threads offers a distinctive platform for users to engage, learn, and connect.

While challenges lie ahead, the potential impact of Threads on social media as a whole is intriguing. As users, we eagerly anticipate the evolution of Threads and the opportunity to participate in shaping a more open, connected, and meaningful online world.