So, how does it feel like waking up to a heated clash between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, calling each other out for an intense cage fight? Well, now they actually have something to fight for.

With BlueSky and Mastodon already queued up as Twitter rivals, Mark Zuckerburg joined the queue too. Lately, there have been rumors in the air for quite a long time that Meta is working on a Twitter alternative app that will solely be a text-based app, unlike Instagram. It feels like Mark is jumping on the alternative app bandwagon and vibing with the trend.

“Can I take inspiration from your design?” – Sure. but don’t copy it 🤦🏻‍♂️#ThreadsApp pic.twitter.com/IHE9AHAcCv

— Nour Abou Harb (@nourvart) August 7, 2023

Twitter has been a hotbed of all controversies and dramas, and every user can feel the burn. It’s safe to say that Twitter has seen its fair share of dramas coming its way.

Mark Zuckerberg Wants a More Reliable Platform than ‘X’ to Live Stream His Cage Fight with Elon Musk. pic.twitter.com/fchJQ3HpVR

— World Times (@WorldTimesWT) August 7, 2023

Amidst all the noise and chaos, Mark Zuckerberg came up with a new contender: Instagram Threads, and honestly, it feels like he has dropped a new THING, and the internet went into lit-mode.

Zuck v Musk fight will be live-streamed on 𝕏.

All proceeds will go to charity for veterans.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 6, 2023

It’s been a month since Instagram rolled out a new Thread app, and everybody flocked toward it. From high brands like Adidas and Sephora to celebrities like Shakira and Emma Mackay, all have been making the most of this new Instagram feature.

Instagram Threads are the talk of the town these days, with around 100 million users joining in the first week. A bomb drop, right?

I know, at one point, there may be so many questions about this new THREAD app, how does it work, and how is it similar to Twitter? Well, you can count on me, I have got all the answers for you.

What Are Instagram Threads

Threads is the new text-based app from Instagram. You can say it’s all about sharing text updates and joining public conversations. Whether you are a creator or just love posting textual content, Threads can be your new go-to app for sharing real-time updates. It’s pretty familiar to Twitter, you can follow new Instagram trends and all the latest happenings from around the world, start your conversations or join others. Your main feed includes all the accounts you follow and cool content recommended for you.

Unlike Twitter, where you are bound by 280 characters and 25000 characters for only for paid users, Instagram Threads can help you to express yourself with up to 500 characters, including photos, videos up to 5 minutes long, and links. If you are already using the app, some ‘Threads’ terms may confuse you. Surprisingly, the Threads account on Instagram has posted a handy cheat sheet to help you with this.

I am not sure if you remember this, but let me remind you again, Instagram launched ‘Threads’ in 2019, and it was a separate app titled ‘first new camera messaging app’. The app was pretty similar to Snapchat, allowing users to communicate through video calls and messaging.

Unfortunately, Instagram took down that app, and Threads in 2023 is now the new and improved version.

Here’s what Adam Mosseri has to say about the Threads app.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Adam Mosseri (@mosseri)

How Do Instagram Threads Work?

Instagram Threads is a dynamic app that works similarly to Twitter and other platforms, allowing users to share text-based content with options including links, photos, and videos. The app is connected to your existing Instagram account, making it easy to dive into the world of Threads. When you compose a post, you have the freedom to express yourself with up to 500 characters and to enhance your content, you can use captivating photos and videos.

With Threads, you have the flexibility to choose between a public or private account, catering to your comfort level of sharing. You can easily customize who can reply to your posts; it can be open to everyone, limited to profiles you follow, or exclusively to profiles you mention.

Once you are done setting up your Threads account, the possibilities are endless. You can create engaging threads, initiate discussions, and reply to other users’ content, contributing to vibrant and interactive conversations.

One important thing to highlight, if you decide to deactivate your Threads account, then your  Instagram account will be deactivated too, because Threads are connected to Instagram.

WARNING!: Deleting your Threads account will also delete your Instagram account 😳

Here’s why this happens: https://t.co/C2AnuyIMLw pic.twitter.com/td8UgNrZ9l

— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) July 6, 2023

Additionally, your data from the Instagram account is used on Threads to personalize your experience. This includes importing your profile information, such as your name, username, profile picture, bio, links, and data related to your followers and those you follow on Instagram.

Your age and Instagram account status related to intellectual property violations and adherence to the platform’s Community Guidelines may also be used for the purpose of providing a seamless and secure user experience.

All in all, Threads offers a vibrant and interconnected space where users can engage in real-time conversations, exchange ideas, and build a meaningful network of connections. As an interactive app, Threads brings people together and enhances how we communicate and share our innovative ideas with the world.

Featured Article: How to Delete Instagram Account in a Few Easy Steps

How to Create an Account on Instagram Threads

Creating an account on Instagram Threads is a simple process. Since the app is integrated with your existing Instagram account, it is super easy to get started and connect with like-minded individuals. Just follow these easy step-by-step instructions to create your Threads account:

Step 1: Download the Threads App

Head to your app store and download the Threads app. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices, so no matter your smartphone preference, Threads has got you covered.

Step 2: Log in with Your Instagram Account

Once the app is installed, open it and log in using your Instagram account. In case you don’t have an Instagram account yet, you will need to create one first through the Instagram app.

Step 3: Personalize Your Threads Profile

After logging in, you will have the opportunity to personalize your Threads profile. Add a profile picture, a catchy bio, and any other details. You can even import your bio from Instagram.

Step 4: Choose Your Privacy Settings

Decide whether you want your Threads account to be public, where anyone can see your posts, or private, limiting access to only those you approve to follow you. You can always adjust these settings later if you change your mind.

Step 5: Start Posting and Joining Conversations

Now that your Threads account is all set up, you can start posting your thoughts, ideas, and updates. Feel free to include links, photos, and videos.

You can also join conversations by replying to other users’ posts and participating in the vibrant Threads community.

And that’s it! You are now part of the Threads community, where you can share, connect, and engage with others.

Related Article: How to Go Live on TikTok (With or Without 1,000 Followers)

5 Cool Things You Need to Know About Threads

If you are considering joining the mighty Threads app, here are 5 cool things you need to know.

1. Find your Target Audience

   Instagram Threads have been the hottest topic since its launch, unlocking a vast milestone and surpassing 100 million users within an incredibly short period.

   This exceptional growth has made Threads the fastest-growing app in history. Since 100 million users have joined the app, many are making up their minds to join. My point here is there is a high chance that your target audience is already on the app. Joining Threads can help you avail yourself of this golden opportunity to connect with millions of potential followers already using the exciting platform. So, don’t miss out on this ideal chance to meet your audience and build a strong connection.

2. Express Your Heart Out

   Let’s be honest; one of Instagram Threads’ most appealing features is the freedom it offers when it comes to expressing yourself. Unlike Twitter’s traditional 280-character limit, Threads allows you to create more meaningful content with each thread, up to 500 characters, which is generally 2x times more than the Twitter limit.

   This extended character limit helps you to share complete thoughts, convey narratives, and dive into the details. The best part, your followers will appreciate the convenience of accessing all the important information under a single thread.

3. Seamless Interaction

   Instagram Threads provide a user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it incredibly easy to interact with others on the platform. For those familiar with Instagram’s features, the four icons at the bottom of each thread are easy to recognize.

   • Heart: Just like Instagram, tapping on the ‘heart’ means to like the post.
   • Quote bubble: This icon refers to replying directly to the thread.
   • Repost button: It allows you to share the content either directly to your Threads profile or quote the thread, adding your thoughts.
   • Paper Airplane: This icon allows you to share the post on other platforms, such as your Instagram Story, Twitter, or others.

   Have a look at the example:

4. Crossposting to Instagram

   Since Instagram exclusively powers Thread, Meta added the app to the BFF list, which helps you to share content between the two platforms. This seamless cross-posting between Threads and Instagram strongly promotes a cohesive and consistent social media presence, making it easier for you to maintain engagement across both platforms. If you have a post on Instagram Threads that you want to post on Instagram, you can easily share it. Here’s how to do so:

   • Click the paper airplane icon at the bottom of the thread
   • Select ‘Add to story’
   • And you are done! Instagram will automatically launch, allowing you to share the post on your Story.

5. Enjoy Ads-Free Experience

   At the moment, Threads has made its unique identity by offering an ad-free experience. The app currently does not display ads or include any monetization features. While I believe this might change in the future, till then, users can enjoy an uninterrupted scrolling journey through the vibrant Threads community, allowing them to focus solely on engaging with captivating content and building meaningful connections.

5 Exciting Instagram Thread Features

While researching, I figured out that Threads is growing, and the app rolled out new features last week,  enhancing your user experience and making it even more enjoyable to connect with your community.

Let’s have a look at the 5 new exclusive features by Threads.

1. Customizable Feed

   It’s time to customize your Threads feed like never before. The app introduced two new ways to tailor your feed. First, we have a ‘For you’ feed which includes a mixture of all posts from the profiles you follow and recommended accounts.

   Another one is ‘Following’, which shows you all the posts by the people you follow, starting with the most recent ones. This means that you can have more control over the type of content you see, ensuring that your Instagram Threads experience is fully customized.

2. Translation

   Now, you can effortlessly engage with users from all around the globe, as Threads will automatically translate posts and comments into your preferred language. Seize the diversity of the Threads community and join conversations from every corner of the world.

3. Notification Filtering

   To help you stay on top, Threads unveiled a new way to filter notifications. You can easily organize your feed, including follows, quotes, and reposts. This feature will help you to manage your notifications more efficiently, focusing on the latest updates.

4. Follow Button

   Easy Follow Button: Finding and connecting with profiles that intrigue you is now simpler than ever with the introduction of the easy Follow button. With just a tap, you can follow accounts that catch your eye.

5. Streamlined Follow Requests

   Managing to follow requests is now a breeze with the ‘Approve all’ feature. Instead of manually approving individual requests one by one, you can now swiftly accept multiple follow requests with a single tap.

Instagram Threads Vs Twitter –  A Side-By-Side Comparison

Let’s have a side-by-side comparison of each.

Instagram Threads, with its user-friendly interface, allows posts of up to 500 characters, giving users ample space to express their thoughts comprehensively. Users can enrich their posts with links, photos, and videos, adding stronger communication depth and visual appeal to their content.

Moreover, the verification features are also available on Threads, helping users establish credibility and authenticity.

On the other hand, Twitter maintains its signature 280-character limit for posts, fostering crisp and concise communication. It also offers links, photos, and videos within the given character count.

While Twitter Blue offers exclusive perks through its subscription service, Threads includes attractive features available to all users without the need for additional fees.

One significant feature of Twitter is that it offers direct messaging (DM), allowing private one-on-one conversations between users. Additionally, Twitter users can follow trending stories and participate in discussions through hashtags, enhancing their engagement within the platform.

Unlike Twitter, Threads does not have direct messaging, focusing primarily on public conversations and fostering an open, community-driven atmosphere. Moreover, Threads doesn’t impose limits on how many posts users can read per day, giving every user the freedom to explore and interact without restrictions.

Join the Vibrant Threads!

At the end of the day, Instagram Threads is a dynamic and innovative app that redefines how we engage in conversations and share content. With the apps’ continuous evolution and new features, the platform remains at the forefront of social media innovation, offering endless opportunities for networking, content creation, and meaningful connections.

Whether you are a creator seeking to expand your Instagram reach or a user who wants to join vibrant discussions, Instagram Threads can be your go-to place.

Frequently Asked Questions