Everything You Need to Know About Threads

Social media browsing patterns change as users demand more intimate ways of sharing content. Big social media networks cater to user demands by augmenting platform privacy and security while letting users enjoy the benefits of content sharing. One of the social media juggernauts, Meta, created the Threads app. This social networking service is part of Instagram, offering users another way to post statuses, text, and share videos and images. But what differentiates Threads from the popular social media channel Instagram and Twitter? Here’s everything you need to know about the Threads app. 

What is Threads?

Operated by Meta Platforms, Threads was launched in October 2019 as a social media networking service. It’s a subsidiary of Meta, formerly known as Facebook, and developed by Instagram. Threads is an Instagram app that lets people post “threads.” Other users can reply to threads with links, photos, videos, or text.

Users who sign up for Threads use the same or current Instagram handle. This platform requires users to create an Instagram account and a Threads app under one handle. 

Threads lets users share content similar to Twitter. It allows users to interact with others’ posts via replies, reposts and likes. It also lets users share images, videos, and text. Threads also allows users to post statuses like Twitter, which may include pictures, videos, or links. Other users may add to the discussion by sharing, liking, quoting, or reposting your content. 

While the web version restricts some functions and features, Threads is fully capable on Android and iOS devices. Threads gained over 100 million users during its first five days, surpassing ChatGPT’s numbers. 

How to post on Threads?

Posting on Threads is easy. It’s similar to posting a tweet on Twitter, with a few nuances. Once you’re on the Threads platform, you will see a straightforward and clean interface. Follow these steps when posting a thread on the Threads app:

Step 1: You will see five buttons at the bottom of the app. Select the middle that looks like a square document with a pen in the upper right corner. 

Step 2: Type a text status or attach any video or image by tapping the paperclip icon. You can also include a link and its thumbnail. Otherwise, you can remove the thumbnail to show the link only. You may also select up to 10 items to attach to your thread. Tap “Done.”

Pro Tip: Unlike Twitter, which lets you post up to 280 characters, Threads allows users to post up to 500 characters. 

Step 3: You can tap the “Add to thread” option to add more. Threads with more than 500 characters will create a new thread automatically. 

Step 4: You may change the settings on who can reply to your thread. Tap “Anyone can reply,” “Profiles you follow,” or “Mentioned only.” If you restrict users who can reply to your thread, your post won’t be shared with your diverse followers. 

Step 5: Click “Post” on the lower right of the interface. Check the progress bar at the top while your thread is being posted. 

Pro Tip: Choose to share your Threads on Instagram or other apps by selecting the arrow icon under your post. 

Tips when posting and replying to threads

Here are a few tips when posting or replying to others’ threads:

• If you delete your thread, the thread replies won’t be deleted. 
• You won’t be able to see a reply from a user you don’t follow. 
• All posts you create on the platform must adhere to Meta’s music usage guidelines. 
• Threads currently don’t have the branded content tool. That said, ensure you indicate the post is a paid promotion if you post branded content. Check out Meta’s branded content guidelines.

Top features of Threads by Instagram

You can maximize Threads’s top features if you familiarize yourself with each purpose. Here are some features to keep in mind:

• Close friends list: Like Instagram, Threads also lets you create a curated list of people you want to share content with. It’s more like a “private list” of people who can see your content. 
• Status updates: You can post quick updates on what you’re doing or what’s on your mind. This will let your followers know what you’re up to at the moment. 
• Camera interface: The app also offers a camera-centric interface that lets users take quick images and videos during those special or spontaneous moments. 
• Direct messaging: You may send private messages to other users within the Threads app. 
• Privacy controls: Threads was created as a more private content-sharing app than Instagram. It was designed to share content with close friends only, thus the lack of content discovery or public content-sharing features. The app also lets users customize who can reach out to them through the app. Threads allows you to block and report users you don’t want to connect with. 
• Auto sharing: Another Threads feature Instagram doesn’t offer is auto sharing. The platform lets users share location updates, specific activities, speed, and battery status with close friends. However, sharing automatically is also focused on privacy. 
• IG direct message: A new feature introduced by the Threads app is sending thread posts as a direct Instagram message by clicking the “Send on Instagram” option. 
• Likes tracking: You can keep track of your likes by tapping “Your Likes” to see what posts you’ve enjoyed and liked. 
• Sort followers list: You can sort the accounts you follow according to the earliest or latest follows. 
• ALT text: If you want your Threads posts to appear on your friends’ list according to their queries, you can customize the ALT text for images. 
• Mention button: Another feature that was recently announced was the mention button. It lets users mention other users in a new thread. 

Conclusion

The Threads app is a new way to connect with people or close friends in a more private space. If you’re enjoying some Instagram features but want a more private app for sharing content, Threads is your platform. It’s built for sharing quick posts, images, videos, or links with close friends. Using this platform gives you peace of mind about not falling prey to security hacks and data fishing. Download the Threads app from the Apple or Google Play store now.