Threads is a new app developed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The new social media platform has a lot of similarities with Twitter, and it is also described as the “Twitter killer.”
An Instagram app
The users have access to a feed of largely text-based posts, and they can also upload photos and videos. Threads allow users to have real-time conversations since they can reply to, repost, and quote others’ posts. There is a 500-character limit for the messages posted to the app. The new social media app is related to Instagram accounts, and the verified users on Instagram are also verified on Threads. The users also have the chance to choose whether their accounts will be private or public.
According to Meta, the app is currently available in 100 countries and more than 30 languages via Apple’s iOS and Android. To sign up, users should first download the app into their smartphone. Instagram users can easily access Threads by using their existing Instagram account and keeping the same username, password, and account name.
There is also the option to edit their bios and import the list of accounts they already follow on Instagram. Users who don’t have Instagram accounts need to create one to start using Threads. According to Meta, users can create one profile on Threads for each Instagram account. “Choosing a different profile picture, bio, or link on it won’t affect your profile picture, bio, or link on Instagram. Profiles you follow and profiles following you on Threads won’t affect who you’re following or your followers on Instagram,” the company clarifies.
It’s relatively not so easy to leave
Although creating an account and posting content is straightforward, leaving the platform and deleting your account is not easy. This is due to the fact that Threads and Instagram accounts are linked to each other. “If you deactivate your profile, your posts and interactions with others’ posts won’t be visible on Threads until you reactivate it. Deactivating your profile won’t delete your data or affect your Instagram account,” the company notes.
“By deactivating your Threads profile, you hide your profile and content from being visible on Threads. You also have the option to delete individual posts – all without deleting your Instagram account. As Threads is powered by Instagram, to delete your profile and data, you will have to delete your Instagram account. Note that we’re looking into a way to delete your Threads profile separately”.
How to use Threads for your business
Threads is now considered the fastest-growing app in history, counting over 100 million downloads in a couple of days. The app’s user-friendly interface, innovative features, and seamless integration with Instagram have contributed to its widespread appeal. Therefore, Threads is ideal for young entrepreneurs and small businesses. If you run a startup or a small business, you can take advantage of Threads’ popularity, create a business account, and promote your brand identity.
Since Threads and Instagram are linked, you can cross-promote your post between the two platforms. Also, the new app is business-friendly since it has a lot in common with Twitter. You can introduce yourself and share information about your business idea, repost content related to your startup, use the @ symbol to mention other businesses and users, and start networking with them.
Digital marketing experts are already working with this promising new app to unlock its secrets and take advantage of its new and innovative features. Many newspapers and entertainment-focused companies have already set up shop on Threads.
Of the brands analyzed in July, 7,87% had more engagement on their posts on the new Meta app than Twitter. “On average, these brands saw eight times more likes on the new platform,” Website Planet noted. “Threads showed a higher average engagement rate than Twitter (0.45% vs. 0.02%).”
Threads poses a serious threat to Twitter
“The vision for Threads is to create an option and friendly public space for conversation,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a Threads post. “We hope to take what Instagram does best and create a new experience around text, ideas, and discussing what’s on your mind.”
According to Meta, the new app “is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow. Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things — or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions, and creativity with the world”.
The new social media app does not “bet” on innovation and originality for its success but on Twitter’s philosophy’s best and highest quality implementation. This is why many digital experts have described the new platform as the “Twitter killer” and estimate that there will be a large wave of user migration from Elon Musk’s platform to Mark Zuckerberg’s in the coming months. Threads poses a serious threat to Twitter, and it remains extremely interesting how this new feud between the two platforms will continue.
