If you haven’t already heard, Meta (previously known as Facebook), has recently introduced Instagram Threads on July 5th, 2023.
"Our vision is to take the best parts of Instagram and create a new experience for text, ideas and discussing what's on your mind," Mark Zuckerberg, the creator and CEO of Meta, stated in an Instagram post following the release of Threads. "I think the world needs this kind of friendly community, and I'm grateful to all of you who are part of Threads from day one."
However, if you're anything like us and you're wondering what exactly Instagram Threads is. Well, we've got you covered! We did our research so you don’t have to! This article will address any burning queries you may have on Instagram’s latest launch.
What Is Instagram Threads?
Threads is a brand-new app that was released by Meta. The app is marketed as a tool for joining online discussions and posting text updates.
Does any of this sound familiar? It does sound a lot like Twitter, which is correct if you thought as much. Meta appears to have identified a possible gap for a microblogging social network that is not plagued by some of the challenges that Twitter is now experiencing.
Interestingly, a similar app called Threads was unveiled in 2021, but we haven't heard much about it since, until today, when the app appears to have been revamped and relaunched.
The platform is presently available in over 100 countries on iOS and Android. The app, however, is not yet accessible in the EU due to privacy concerns.
There are however certain distinctions between Threads and Twitter, which we will dive into below.
How Is Threads Different from Twitter?
The Threads app enables you to submit messages of up to 500 characters in length, which is much more than Twitter's current 280 character limit unless you're signed up for Twitter Blue. Your posts can include photographs, videos up to five minutes long, and site links.
There are currently no paid tiers or advertisements on the app. But, your Instagram verification mark is carried over – even if you paid for Meta Verified. Users may find individuals to follow by utilizing their Instagram network.
The software is new, but it lacks Twitter-like capabilities like extended video, direct messaging, and live audio rooms. Mosseri stated that the idea is to "not build yet another inbox and instead let people send threads to other apps."
How To Use Threads?
iOS Instagram users will be able to locate a ticket to download Threads by searching for the app's name in the search box.
Users are then directed to the App Store to get Threads via the ticket. For Android users, the app is also available on the Google Play Store.
After downloading the app, you may login in using your current Instagram account. Your username, as well as any verification, will be carried over to your Threads account, and you may opt to personalize your profile for your new Threads account.
Then, you can decide whether to automatically follow the accounts you currently follow on Instagram or to search for and add new accounts to follow from inside the Threads app. Since you are checking in using your Instagram account, you may follow everyone you are already following. You'll also import your login, name, and preferences such as your block list.
Your feed consists of postings from individuals you follow as well as stuff that has been suggested to you. You may respond to, repost, or quote other people's postings.
How Many Users Are Currently On Threads?
Threads has surpassed 10 million sign ups within 7 hours of its introduction. In less than 24 hours, it reached 30 million users, according to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
There are now over 55 million Threads members, according to the number badges that display on Instagram accounts and indicate when someone joined Threads. How crazy is that?!
Is There A "Following" Timeline In Threads?
Threads currently lacks a timeline that displays postings solely from accounts you follow. The postings from accounts you follow and those from other people are mixed in the algorithm that creates your home timeline.
In response to a user, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri stated: "We do rank posts lightly and offer suggestions (posts from accounts you don't follow) in the feed, which is particularly crucial for a new app before users follow enough accounts.
Is Using Threads Considered Safe?
Threads incorporates many of the features found in Instagram to assist you in filtering out information you don't want to view. You may restrict who can reply to you or mention you in a post, and you may set up a word filter to prevent posts with certain terms from appearing in your feed or responses.
Any Instagram accounts you've blocked are immediately blocked on Threads, and you may also unfollow, restrict, or block accounts from within Threads.
Anyone under the age of 18, or under the age of 16 in some countries, is automatically assigned a private profile when they first sign up. They may then approve Threads users who wish to follow them in the same way that you can on Instagram.
Threads will also follow Instagram's Community Guidelines, which include only permitting posts that are fit for a diverse audience and not allowing hate speech or postings that are designed to denigrate or disgrace private individuals. This is another way Threads is attempting to differentiate itself from its competitors.
Meta is quick to point out that more than $16 billion has been invested in the teams and technology required to enforce Instagram's guidelines, and that those same resources will be used to keep Threads a place for 'positive and productive conversations.'
The Catch: You Will Not Be Able To Delete Your Threads Account Without Deleting Your Instagram Account
Yes, you read that right. In fact, many users voiced their concerns and dissatisfaction regarding this matter.
Users have the option of erasing certain posts or momentarily deactivating their accounts, according to the app's privacy policy. This implies that the posts will be hidden from other users until they opt to reactivate their account. It's important to take note that users can only deactivate their account once a week.
However, in order to completely delete their account's profile and data, users must first delete their Instagram account. The rationale for Meta's decision to implement such a policy is unknown. However, it's most likely so Threads can take advantage of the world's two billion Instagram users.
According to Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, they’re currently working towards enabling the Thread account to be deleted separately.
What's Next For Threads?
‘There are tons of basics that are missing: search, hashtags, a following feed, graph syncing, fedeverse support, messaging. We’re on it. The (amazing) team is cranking away. But, full disclosure, it’ll take time.’ Adam Mosseri posted on his Thread account.
Meanwhile, Threads also has another huge strategy in the works. Although this is not currently the case, the goal is to make Threads compatible with ActivityPub. This is a decentralized social networking protocol that allows social networking apps to communicate with one another.
Threads users will be able to engage with profiles on several social networking networks. Someone on Mastodon, for example, may seek to follow your Threads account, and you could approve or decline that request directly from Threads. You may then follow their Mastodon posts in your Threads feed without ever signing up on Mastodon. While this functionality is not currently accessible, it will be interesting to observe how it evolves.
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