Everything You Need to Know About Threads: The New Social Media App

There’s always something new happening when it comes to social media platforms. And the latest release that’s taking the social media world by storm is Threads, a brand-new social media app recently released by Meta. The platform is still so new that most people have a lot of questions… what exactly is Threads? Will it replace Twitter? How do you get set up on the platform? That’s why we’re doing a quick breakdown of everything you need to know about threads. 

Everything You Need to Know About Threads: The New Social Media App

What is Threads?

Let’s start with the basics. Threads is a text-based social media app launched on July 5, 2023 by Meta, and it’s connected directly to Instagram. If you’ve seen Threads, then you’ve probably already made the common observation — it looks an awful lot like Twitter. In fact, there are plenty of people suggesting that Threads is going to put an end to Twitter, going so far as to call it the “Twitter killer”. 

But the truth is, we have no idea how Threads is going to affect Twitter long-term. The rule of thumb now should simply be this: if you’re already active on Twitter, you can keep using that account while still establishing a presence on Threads. And if you’re not already active on Twitter, you should definitely set up an account on Threads.

Basically, no matter what social media platforms you’re currently utilizing, Threads is absolutely an app you want to incorporate into your social media marketing strategy.

How does Threads work?

Because you join Threads through your Instagram account (more on that in a minute), you’re able to immediately follow any accounts on Threads that you’re already following on Instagram. That means your feed will consist of all those accounts, along with suggested content picked by the Threads algorithm. 

As it often goes with new social media apps, Threads comes with a whole new set of social media lingo. Here’s a quick breakdown (courtesy of Instagram): 

• A thread: Another word for a discussion or a post with a series of replies.
• A post: An individual piece of text or media.
• A reply: When you respond to someone else’s post or thread.
• A repost: When you share someone else’s post to your profile.
• A quote: When you share (or repost) someone’s else’s post to your profile along with your own thoughts.

When it comes to content, the platform obviously relies on a largely text-based medium, similar to Twitter. While Threads also allows you to post photos, carousels, links, and videos (up to 5 minutes long), the platform has made it clear that its purpose is to re-focus on text. With so many platforms depending entirely on visual content, Threads is meant to be a space where words reign supreme, where conversation and debate take center stage. 

How do you sign up for Threads?

Create your account

You can either start directly through the Threads app, or establish your account through the Instagram app. Either way, you’ll have to download the app from your app store, so you’ll want to start there. Once you have the app, you can open the app and click on your username at the bottom of the welcome screen. 

Or you can navigate to your profile on the Instagram app, tap the three lines in the upper right-hand corner, and select Threads. You’ll then be taken to a ticket with your personal invitation to Threads. 

Fill out your profile

You’ll then have the option to either fill out your profile manually or automatically import your existing bio on Instagram.

Select your privacy settings

You can choose to make your account public or private. Just select your preferred option when you see the screen below.

Import the accounts you follow

Here’s the bit we mentioned before. Because Threads is connected to Instagram, you can choose to automatically follow any accounts you currently follow on Instagram that have a profile on Threads. 

Agree to the terms

On the final screen, you’ll be presented with the user agreements and terms of use. Just tap the Join Threads button and you’re all set!

Are you using Threads?

Tell us in the comments!

And if you want to learn more about thriving on Threads, check out this video (and our Instagram):