Threads: What Should You Know?

Introduction

Have you noticed the new trend in our digital lives? Threads is a unique form of social networking that makes it easy to stay in touch with the people who matter most. It’s like a single stitch that weaves communication together in an unparalleled way. Welcome to this captivating world! Have you heard of Threads? This amazing app lets you finely curate your conversations with incredible precision. Millions of people have been captivated by this ingenious tool, which has sparked a worldwide conversation and completely changed how we interact with our digital communities. Get ready to be enchanted by the awe-inspiring features that Threads has in store for you! This cutting-edge platform seamlessly blends text and images, bringing your conversations to life with vibrant colors and capturing every single moment in its purest form. As you navigate its sleek and intuitive interface, you’ll uncover a host of innovative functionalities designed to enhance your connections and effortlessly weave you into meaningful conversations. Threads is more than just an app; it offers a glimpse into the trend of human interaction. As technology continues to play a larger role in our daily lives, Threads provides us with a glimmer of hope for maintaining meaningful connections even in the vast digital world. It’s truly inspiring to see Threads setting a new standard for how we stay connected. If you enjoy meaningful conversations or love connecting with people from different parts of the world, Threads can help you achieve that in the best possible way. This guide will provide all the information you need to make the most out of Threads. Let’s plunge into a domain where every conversation is an art of thread, and every post is skillfully stitched into the pattern of your digital tapestry.

What is Meta Thread?

Are you curious about Threads? This awesome platform, developed by Meta’s Instagram team, lets you share short posts or updates up to 500 characters long. You can even spice things up with photos, videos (up to five minutes long), and links. Threads is connected to your Instagram account, and you can easily share your posts to your Instagram story or other platforms. Your feed is customized to include posts from people and accounts you follow on Instagram or Threads. It suggests undiscovered content you like. Filter out specific words from your feed, and restrict whom you can mention. Threads is free and available to download on iOS and Android devices. It’s launched in over 100 countries, but unfortunately, its release in the European Union is delayed due to data-sharing concerns between Instagram and Threads.

What is Threads’ History?

On July 5, 2023, Meta launched its new app for text-based conversations called Threads, which created quite a buzz. Users can enjoy an interactive and seamless messaging experience with the app, which is accessible in 30 different languages. However, the app is not yet available in the EU due to regulatory issues regarding Meta’s data collection policies. Meta is actively working to address these concerns and expand its availability to European users. If Threads sounds familiar, it’s because Meta had previously released an app with the same name in 2019. However, that version of Threads was created solely as a messaging app for Instagram’s close friends and failed to gain significant traction. As a result, Meta discontinued it in December 2021. With the new Threads app, Meta aims to revolutionize text-based conversations by offering advanced features and innovative design, providing users with a more personalized and engaging messaging experience. Despite the anticipation from European users, Meta is committed to addressing regulatory concerns and ensuring a seamless launch in the European Union as soon as possible.

How To Download And Use Threads

Downloading and using Threads is easy and simple. All you need is an Instagram account and a device that runs on iOS or Android. Here are the steps to follow:

• Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for Threads from Instagram. You can also use these links to download the app directly:
  • For iOS:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/threads-an-instagram-app/id6446901002
  • For Android:https://play.google.com/store/search?q=threads&c=apps

• Install the app on your device and open it.
• Log in with your Instagram handle and password. You’ll see a welcome screen that explains the features of Threads.
• Tap on Next and choose whether you want Threads to access your contacts, camera, microphone, and location. These permissions are optional, but they will enhance your experience on the app.
• Tap on Next and choose whether you want to sync your Instagram contacts to Threads. This will allow you to follow the same people you follow on Instagram and see their posts on Threads. You can also skip this step and follow new people later.
• Tap on Next and customize your profile. You can choose your username, profile picture, bio, and theme color. You can also edit these details later.
• Tap on Done and start exploring Threads. You’ll see a home screen that shows your feed, where you can see the latest posts from the people you follow. You can also swipe left to see your messages, where you can chat with your friends or groups.

You can also swipe right to see your profile, edit your settings, create new threads, and invite friends to join Threads. Read also: Powerful Resources and Tools for Writing Quality Content

Inside The Threads App

After accessing the Threads app on your iOS device, you can view the most recent posts on your home feed, search for and follow new individuals, and check your latest notifications. Within user profiles, there are two tabs: Threads and Replies. If your Instagram account is verified, it will also show as verified on Threads. By subscribing to Meta Verified with your Instagram account, your Threads account will receive verification simultaneously. Each post can have a maximum of:

• 500 text characters,
• 5 minutes of video content,
• 10 images.

You can easily share your thread posts on Instagram, Twitter, and other social networks to help boost your new account and get more followers. You can even turn them into Instagram Stories or regular posts on your feed! Give your content the exposure it deserves with this handy feature. Read also: How to Create a Content Marketing Strategy

A Little More About the Settings in Threads

Let’s dive into the various options for tweaking Threads settings. Within the profile section, you can access the settings by clicking either the globe icon on the top left or the two-dash icon on the top right. These settings allow you to customize your notifications, privacy preferences, and account settings. Notifications are straightforward to manage. You can disable ‘Push Notifications’ for threads, replies, following, and followers. Alternatively, you can choose to pause all notifications temporarily. In terms of privacy, you can opt to make your profile private, granting access only to approved followers who can view and interact with your posts and replies. Additionally, you can specify who can mention you, mute certain accounts, and conceal offensive words and phrases. Towards the bottom, two settings are available: One for blocking profiles and another for hiding likes. It’s important to note that configuring either of these settings will apply changes to Threads and Instagram. The account settings provide various features, including setting reminders for taking breaks from Threads and the option to deactivate your profile. Other settings apply to Threads and Instagram, such as enabling two-factor authentication and changing passwords. If you want to hide your likes on Threads, you’ll also need to hide them on instagram.

How You Can Set Privacy Settings

When you first access your Threads profile, you will be prompted to choose between a public or private profile. If you opt for a private profile, only your followers can contact you, and you will have control over who can follow you by approving or denying requests. You can also change these settings later by accessing the privacy settings. It is important to note that while some features are shared between Threads and Instagram, such as the ability to approve or deny follow requests, you must set most of the settings again on Threads. These include who can mention you, whom you have muted, the words you want to hide, and your followers. However, the process is simpler on Threads as it is linked to your existing Instagram settings.

No Feed Exclusively For People You Follow? And No Chronological Feed?

That’s correct. Many users are dissatisfied with Threads due to the absence of these features. Apart from the inability to delete Threads without affecting your Instagram account, the disorderly arrangement of posts in the timeline is causing frustration. Even if you follow a group of individuals on Threads, you might still come across posts from users you haven’t followed. However, there is some good news on the horizon. In a recent post, Adam Mosseri assured users that chronological and following feeds will eventually be implemented on Threads.

Is there a “Following” timeline on Threads?

Currently, Threads do not feature a dedicated “Following” timeline that exclusively displays posts from accounts that the user follows. Instead, the app utilizes an algorithmic home timeline combining posts from followed accounts and other individuals. According to a response from Adam Mosseri, the posts within the feed are mildly ranked and encompass recommendations from accounts you do not follow. This feature holds particular significance for a new application like Threads, as it helps users discover content from various sources before they have amassed a substantial number of followed accounts.

Is it possible to use Threads on the web?

Yes, you can access Threads on the web by clicking on the provided link. However, you should remember that you won’t be able to log in to your account or create posts through the web interface now.

Now, Let’s Talk About Advertisements On Threads

Currently, advertisements are not being given priority. The company focuses on ensuring that Threads becomes an app users genuinely want to continue using before monetization becomes a concern. However, reports suggest that discussions with advertisers are underway, indicating the possibility of ads being introduced in the future.

How Private Is Instagram Threads?

Instagram’s Threads app has raised privacy concerns. The app’s listing on the App Store reveals that users must grant various permissions, including access to “Financial Info” and “Sensitive Info.” Placing a significant amount of trust in an app developed by Meta, formerly known as Facebook, might cause hesitation, considering the numerous scandals and controversies that have plagued the company.

Curious About The Upcoming Features In Threads?

Threads is already off to an impressive start, but the app is about to get even better! While it currently lacks features that Twitter users love, such as a desktop version, direct messaging, and trending topics, Meta executives have exciting plans. Mosseri has recently teased the possibility of hashtags, a more powerful search function, and a feed that only shows content from accounts that a user follows. With all these exciting additions in the works, Threads will continue to grow and evolve in exciting ways.

Here are a Few Features & Settings That are Being Discussed:

• Introduction of a chronological feed to provide a more organized timeline experience.
• Implementation of a following feed that focuses solely on the updates from people you follow.
• Capability to delete your Threads account without deleting your Instagram account.
• Improved search functionality for easier content discovery.
• Inclusion of hashtags to facilitate topic-based exploration.
• Graph syncing to ensure seamless synchronization between different devices.
• The possible introduction of messaging capabilities.
• Exploration of support for ActivityPub would enable Threads to become part of the Fediverse—a network of interconnected servers operated by third parties that can communicate with each other.
• Introduction of multi-account options for users who manage multiple profiles.
• Development of a web interface, expanding accessibility beyond the app itself.
• Stay tuned for these exciting developments as Threads evolves into a more feature-rich and user-friendly platform.

It’s exciting to see what’s next for Threads!

Is It True That You Can’t Delete Your Threads Account?

Recent news reports suggest that many users are unhappy with Meta’s policy on account deletion. While it is possible to delete your Threads account, you must also delete your Instagram account, as they are linked. However, if you prefer to keep your Instagram account, you can deactivate your Threads account instead. This will hide your profile, posts, and comments from other users until you reactivate it again. Please note that deactivation does not permanently delete your account or data. Here’s how to deactivate your threads account.

Why Threads is Different from Other Social Media Platforms

Threads is not just another social media platform. It’s a unique app that focuses on text-based conversations and communities. Here are some reasons Threads differs from other social media platforms:

• Threads is all About Text

  Unlike other apps that rely on photos, videos, or audio, Threads is mainly about text messages of up to 500 characters. This means you can express yourself more freely and creatively without worrying about filters, captions, or hashtags. You can also include links, photos, and videos in your posts, but they are not the main focus.

• Threads is all About Communities

  Unlike other apps based on individual profiles or followers, Threads is based on threads, which are groups of people who share a common interest or topic. You can join Threads on any topic, from fashion to sports to gaming to politics. You can also create your Threads and invite your friends or followers to join. You can have fun and meaningful conversations with your communities and follow your passions.

• Threads is all About Connection

  Unlike other apps crowded with ads, spam, or trolls, Threads is a friendly and respectful space for conversation. You can choose who can reply to your posts, block or report abusive users, and control your privacy settings. You can also link your Instagram account to Threads and easily switch between the two apps. You can share your posts from Threads to your Instagram stories or vice versa. You can also chat with your friends or groups on both apps.

Conclusion

All eyes are now on Threads! It has recently become a significant social trend, with billions of people exploring the Threads app. Threads has already made a remarkable start, amassing 100 million sign-ups in less than a week, including numerous brands, celebrities, journalists, and other prominent accounts. The atmosphere surrounding Threads on the night of its launch resembled the anticipation of the first day of school as early adopters rushed to try out the app and share their inaugural posts. Some even speculated whether Threads could potentially become the “Twitter killer.” Notably, Threads quickly rose to the top of Apple’s App Store’s free apps chart and became a trending Twitter topic. If you are an entrepreneur or a social media enthusiast seeking novel ways to connect with your online communities and express yourself through text, Threads is the app you should try. It fulfills the longing you’ve had for an innovative platform. So, why wait any longer? Download Threads today and join the conversation! 😊