Threads, the new microblogging platform developed by Meta, has made a striking entrance into the social media arena as it seeks to rival Twitter. With a tight integration to Instagram, Threads app has rapidly attracted over 10 million users within just seven hours of its launch. In this comprehensive blog post, we will examine the platform’s features, functionality, and its integration with Instagram. Additionally, we will explore the safety tools, accessibility features, and the potential expansion of Threads into the European market.
Signing Up For Threads App On Instagram
To sign up for Threads, simply follow the below steps-
- Download the Threads app from either the Google Play Store or the App Store.
- Open the app after installation.
- You will be prompted to sign in using your Instagram account.
- If you already have the Instagram app installed, simply sign in using your existing Instagram credentials.
- Threads will preserve your Instagram username and verification status, highlighting the tight integration between the two platforms.
- If you don’t have the Instagram app installed, enter your Instagram username and password to proceed with signing up for Threads.
Note: For now, only Instagram users can create Threads accounts. If you want to access Threads, you will have to sign up for Instagram first.
Also Read: Instagram Updates in 2023: All You Need to Know
Posting Content on Threads App:
Threads allows users to post up to 500 characters, surpassing Twitter’s default limit of 280 characters. These posts can be cross-posted to your Instagram story, offering a seamless connection between the two platforms. Additionally, you can include links, photos, and videos in your Threads posts. The platform displays images in a carousel format, making it ideal for sharing multiple images that scroll horizontally.
Discovering And Following Users
As you begin following people on Threads, you may notice that the feed also shows posts from unknown users. Instagram head Adam Mosseri explains that these recommended posts are displayed based on Instagram’s algorithm, which helps users discover new accounts to follow on the platform. Threads is also working on introducing a followers-only feed, which will exclusively display posts from users you follow.
Managing Connections And Privacy
Similar to Instagram, Threads allows users to follow and unfollow others. The app will only notify you when someone follows you. It also provides the option to set your profile to “Private,” requiring others to send you a follow request. However, users under the age of 16 (or under 18 in certain regions) can only use a private account. While individual posts can be deleted, Threads does not allow users to delete their Threads profile without deleting their entire Instagram account.
Safety And Control Features
Threads offers several safety tools and control features to enhance user experience. Users can block accounts that they have previously blocked on Instagram, maintaining consistency across the platforms. Additionally, you have the ability to hide specific replies from users on your posts, effectively removing them for all users on Threads. This feature can be useful for combating targeted trolling or harassment. Threads also provides options to limit replies and mentions to people you follow or disable them entirely. Furthermore, the app enables users to automatically filter out certain words from their feed, hiding any replies containing those words for all users. The Instagram Community Guidelines, which govern the photo and video sharing service, apply to Threads as well.
Threads and the Fediverse
Meta has announced that Threads will be compatible with the ActivityPub protocol, which is used for interoperable networks like Mastodon and WordPress. This compatibility opens up possibilities for future integration between Threads and these services, allowing users on Threads to communicate with users on other Mastodon servers. However, some Mastodon instances are considering defederation with Threads, potentially limiting access to the “fediverse.” Nevertheless, other platforms such as Tumblr are also working on support for the ActivityPub protocol.
Threads: Let’s Wrap it Up
Threads, Meta’s new microblogging platform, presents a compelling alternative to Twitter. With its tight integration with Instagram, Threads offers a seamless experience for existing Instagram users. The ability to post longer messages, cross-post to Instagram stories, and share various forms of media enhances the platform’s appeal. Furthermore, its safety tools, accessibility features, and commitment to privacy provide a positive user experience. While the availability of Threads in the European market is currently limited, there is a possibility of access being rolled out in the coming months.
As Threads continues to gain traction, it will be interesting to see how it competes with Twitter and how users embrace its unique features. With its strong ties to Instagram and the backing of Meta, Threads has the potential to carve out its own niche in the microblogging landscape. As the platform evolves, users can look forward to further enhancements, including potential integration with other platforms in the ActivityPub ecosystem.
Overall, Threads presents an exciting new option for microblogging enthusiasts and Instagram users looking for a text-based platform to engage with their community. With its user-friendly interface, integration with Instagram, and robust safety and control features, Threads has the potential to attract a significant user base and provide an engaging and inclusive social media experience.
Also Read: Twitter welcoming controversies
FAQs: Threads App
Q- Is There A Web Version For Threads?
Ans- Threads doesn’t have any dedicated website and is only available in its app form.
Q- Will My Instagram Followers Be On Threads?
Ans- Yes. When you use Threads for the first time, you will get a chance to follow all the users you already follow on Instagram. Of course, you can always follow new users on Threads.
Q- What Is The Character Limit On Threads?
Ans- As per Instagram, you can post Threads of up to 500 characters. In comparison, Twitter allows posts of up to 280 characters. Of course, if you are a paying Twitter Blue user, the character limit goes up to 10,000.
Q- Can You Sign In With Multiple Accounts On Threads?
Ans- Nope. At the time of writing, Threads only allows logging in with a single user ID at a time.
Q- Are There Any Limits On the Number Of Threads?
Ans- Nope. You can add as many threads as you want on any post. There are no limits in place.
Q- Do the Instagram Community Guidelines apply to Threads?
Ans- Yes, the same Instagram Community Guidelines that govern the photo and video sharing service also apply to Threads, ensuring consistent guidelines and standards for user behavior.
