What Is Instagram’s Threads App? Quick Beginner’s Guide

Social media has changed the way we connect, communicate, and consume information. It all started with platforms like MySpace and Friendster that laid the groundwork for giants like Facebook and Twitter to reshape how we interact with the world.

As social media grew in popularity, people started looking for platforms that catered to their specific interests and demographics. This led to the emergence of niche-focused apps. Instagram came out in 2010, focusing on sharing photos and videos. Its user-friendly interface and emphasis on visual content made it an international success.

When Instagram joined the Facebook family in 2012, it was a pivotal moment. It highlighted just how significant specialized apps had become. Fast forward to today, and Instagram is still going strong under the Meta umbrella. With its massive user base and specialized features like Stories, Reels, and IGTV, Instagram is at the forefront of the social media scene.

More recently, the Instagram team released a new app, Threads. This article will explain everything you need to know.

Table of contents:

• What is the Instagram Threads app?
• How to set up your Threads profile
• What should you post on Threads?
• Best practices for using Threads
• FAQ about Threads
• The future of Threads: predictions and trends
• Leverage Threads for social media marketing success

What is the Instagram Threads app?

Instagram Threads is a text-based conversation app that allows users to share text updates and engage in public conversations within the Instagram community. Users can create threads with text, links, photos, or videos.

Threads aligns with Meta’s broader social networking vision, providing users with a more focused communication platform. By integrating Threads with Instagram, Meta aims to enhance user engagement and foster deeper connections within the community.

How does Threads differ from Instagram?

Threads and the main Instagram app have distinct differences in terms of user experience, features, and content focus.

User experience:

• The main Instagram app offers photos, videos, Stories, Reels, and IGTV. Users can also send direct messages to other users. Users can engage with various types of media and explore a wide range of content from those they follow.
• Threads focuses on text-based conversations. It provides a more focused communication platform, allowing users to share text updates and engage in public discussions.

Features:

• While both apps allow users to connect with others and share updates, Instagram offers a broader set of features. These include filters, editing tools, location tagging, tagging other users, direct messaging, and the ability to follow accounts and discover new content.
• Threads, being a more streamlined text-based app, prioritizes simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to create threads containing text, links, photos, or videos.

Content focus:

• Instagram caters to a broad audience by providing a platform for users to share visually driven content. This includes sharing photos and videos, showcasing creativity, and using visual storytelling.
• Threads emphasizes intimacy and relationships with friends. It encourages personal conversations centered around text-based updates and discussions.

How does Threads compare to X?

Elon Musk’s acquisition and rebranding of Twitter to X has sparked both excitement and concerns.

In response, Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri launched Threads, an app within the Instagram community, providing users with a space for real-time text-based conversations. Threads reached 100 million users in under a week, highlighting the demand for an alternative to X.

Threads prioritizes text-based conversations and integration with Instagram, while X focuses on public conversations, real-time updates, and global discussions.

X has a 280-character limit, while Threads allows up to 500 characters per post. However, X offers direct messaging and hashtag tracking—features not yet available on Threads. Additionally, Threads doesn’t yet support searching for specific posts.

How to set up your Threads profile

Ready to make your own Threads account? Follow these steps.

1. Download the Threads app
2. Log in with your Instagram account
3. Fill in profile features
4. Select whether you want a public or private profile
5. Write your first post

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1. Download the Threads app

If you’re looking to download the Threads app on your iOS device, you can find it on the Apple App Store. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad, search for “Threads app,” and locate the official Threads app listing. From there, you can tap on it and proceed with the download.

Android users can find the Threads app on the Google Play Store. Search for “Threads app” in the Play Store, and you’ll be able to locate and download the app onto your Android device.

2. Log in with your Instagram account

If you’re an Instagram user, you’ll be prompted to use that account when setting up your Threads account. Your Threads profile will use your Instagram username and information, which allows for a quick transition and makes sure you can access your existing Instagram connections and content within the Threads app.

However, if you prefer to sign in with a different Instagram account or create a new one for Threads, you have the flexibility to do so. Choose the option to sign in with another account during the setup process, and you’ll be guided through the necessary steps to get started.

3. Fill in profile features

To get started with Threads and create a profile, follow these steps.

1. Upload a profile picture. Begin by tapping on the profile icon within the Threads app. From there, select “Edit Profile” and choose the option to upload a profile picture.
2. Write or import a bio. Craft a bio that captures who you are and what you’re passionate about. Tap on “Edit Profile” again and find the section to write your bio. Alternatively, if you have a bio on Instagram, you can conveniently import it into Threads.
3. Add links to your profile. If you want to share links to your website, blog, or other social media profiles, Threads makes it easy. In the “Edit Profile” section, locate the option to add links. Enter the URLs you want to include, and they’ll be displayed on your Threads profile for others to explore.
4. Follow suggested profiles. Threads provides suggestions for profiles you might be interested in following. These suggestions are based on your Instagram connections and interests. If you find someone you want to connect with, tap the “Follow” button to stay updated on their activity.
5. Import everything from Instagram. Threads offers integration with Instagram, allowing you to bring everything from your Instagram account into Threads.

4. Select whether you want a public or private profile

When setting up your profile on Threads, you can choose whether you want a public or private profile.

If you select a public profile on Threads, your profile information—including your profile picture, bio, and links—will be visible to anyone who visits your profile. People who come across your profile can follow you and engage with your content if they find it interesting.

If you prefer a private profile on Threads, your profile information will only be visible to your approved followers. Choosing whether to have a public or private profile depends on your preference and the level of privacy you desire.

However, you can change your privacy settings within the app’s “Settings” menu.

5. Write your first post

When writing your first Threads post, remember you only have 500 characters to work with, so try to convey your thoughts clearly and concisely. Craft your message thoughtfully and take a moment to review your post for any errors or typos.

To make your post more engaging, consider including images or videos to grab people’s attention and reinforce your message. You can also end your posts by asking questions or sharing calls to action (CTAs), prompting others to join the conversation and share their thoughts.

Note that once a post is published on Threads, it can’t be edited. So, double-check your post to make sure it’s exactly how you want it before sharing it with the world.

What should you post on Threads?

We offer some ideas for what you might share on your Threads page:

• Engaging questions. Spark conversations by asking questions that prompt your audience to share their thoughts and experiences.
• Tips and insights. Give your followers tips or advice relevant to your brand. Provide them with information they can apply in their lives or work.
• Resource recommendations. Curate lists of resources that offer unique perspectives or focus on lesser-known tools within your industry or niche.
• Authentic narratives. Share stories or personal experiences related to your brand that resonate with your audience on a deeper level.
• Teasers and previews. Build anticipation and excitement by offering sneak peeks of upcoming products, services, or events.
• Behind-the-scenes glimpses. Offer your audience a unique look behind the curtain, showcasing the human side of your brand.

Best practices for using Threads

Check out these best practices for using the Threads app:

• Add media. Enhance your threads by incorporating high-quality images, infographics, or relevant GIFs and memes. Take advantage of the rising trend of video content by including short, engaging videos.
• Engage with others. Actively participate in conversations by asking follow-up questions, showing appreciation for contributions, and sharing personal insights.
• Repost and Quote. Use the Repost and Quote functions to share valuable content from other users or threads. This allows you to showcase interesting perspectives, give credit to the original poster, and spark new conversations based on existing threads.
• Maintain an approachable tone. Craft posts with a friendly and relatable tone that invites interaction. Balance formal and informal language to create an approachable brand voice that resonates with your audience.
• Post regularly. Consistency is key in building and maintaining an audience. Develop a posting schedule that works for you and stick to it. Find the balance between quantity and quality, ensuring your posts are informative, engaging, and align with your brand’s values.

FAQ about Threads

Explore our FAQ section to find answers to frequently asked questions about Threads.

What kind of content is on Threads?

On Threads, users can share and view text-based content in a community-driven platform. Members frequently engage in conversations by sharing personal stories, experiences, and reflections. They also discuss various topics, seek advice, offer support, and spark thought-provoking discussions.

Threads encourages users to build connections, learn from one another, and create a sense of belonging in a text-focused community.

Can hashtags be used on Threads?

Threads currently doesn’t support hashtags. You can put a hashtag in a post on Threads, but they aren’t clickable and don’t add to your post’s reach, which is the number of unique people who have seen a particular post or content.

Are there any costs associated with using Threads?

Threads is completely free. Meta has indicated it may monetize the platform in the future by running ads, but has yet to do so.

Is Threads safe?

Threads is committed to upholding Instagram’s community guidelines, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for its users.

One feature that contributes to user safety is the option to have private profiles on Threads. This allows users to have control over who can view and interact with their content.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is available on Threads through your Instagram account:

1. Open the Threads app and head to your profile.
2. In the top-right corner, tap on the menu icon.
3. Navigate to “Account,” and select “Security.” This will take you to the Meta Account Center.
4. Within the Meta Account Center, you’ll find an option labeled “Two-factor authentication.” Tap on it.
5. Choose the Instagram account option. Since Threads uses your Instagram account as the identifier, enabling 2FA for Instagram will automatically enable two-factor authentication for Threads

Threads also gives users the ability to report any suspicious or inappropriate activity they encounter.

Exercise caution and follow best practices, such as securing your accounts, to protect your digital privacy. While Instagram Threads has safety measures, be aware of potential risks and stay informed about online safety practices.

The future of Threads: predictions and trends

Threads continues to evolve with new features and integrations, such as the ability to directly share a post to your Instagram direct messages.

The Threads team plans to make the app a part of the fediverse, a social network of different interconnected servers operated by third parties. This could lead to exciting opportunities for integration with platforms like Mastodon and BlueSky.

In addition, Threads plans to use ActivityPub, the most widely used protocol that powers the fediverse. This integration could potentially connect with these decentralized social networks, enabling cross-platform interactions and expanding its reach.

Leverage Threads for social media marketing success

Instagram Threads is a promising avenue for businesses and marketers to foster more personalized connections with their audience.

To harness the full potential of Threads and elevate your social media marketing efforts, consider enlisting the expertise of a social media specialist.

Or if you’re a Threads expert who wants to use their knowledge to help businesses, look for social media marketing jobs on Upwork.