Threads: How the New Instagram's Twitter Rival Works - A Complete Guide

Threads has made a significant impact on the social media landscape, offering a unique platform for concise and creative conversations.

Competition is strong in the world of social media, and platforms are continuously striving to innovate and catch the attention of consumers. Meta (previously Facebook) is no stranger to this scenario, having just launched "Threads," a new program aimed at challenging Twitter's supremacy in the field of short-form text-based chats. But just what is Threads and how does it work? 

Moris Media, India’s Leading Social Media Management firm, goes through Threads' features, functions, and distinctive qualities, providing you with a thorough grasp of this exciting new addition to the social media world.

What is Threads?

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, debuted Threads as a separate app. It is intended to be a free conversation-based network where users may post brief text snippets comparable to Twitter tweets. Unlike Twitter, though, Threads is inextricably tied to Instagram and requires users to have an Instagram account in order to sign up. The app is presently available in over 100 countries, with ambitions to expand further.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, stated in a confirmed post shortly after Threads' introduction, "The vision for Threads is to create an open and friendly public space for conversation." We intend to take what Instagram does best and develop a new experience centred on words, ideas, and chatting about whatever is on your mind."

Threads allows users to submit photographs and videos up to five minutes long in addition to text, allowing a more comprehensive approach to expressing themselves. Threads has already piqued the curiosity of the social media world, with Zuckerberg actively engaging with users on the network and addressing queries about his goals for the program.

Subscribing to Threads

Getting started with Threads is a simple procedure; however, having an Instagram account is required. Threads.net does not provide access to the app; instead, users must download the Threads app from the App Store or Google Play. Users are prompted to check in using their Instagram credentials or establish an account if they do not already have one when they launch the app.

One of the primary benefits of the Instagram integration is that users do not need to start a Threads following from the beginning. Their Instagram followers and those they follow are instantly transferred to Threads, making it simple to identify friends and favourite profiles. Additionally, prohibited accounts on Instagram will be carried over to Threads, guaranteeing a consistent user experience.

Using the Threads App

Users will be sent to the Threads feed after signing in, where they will see posts from individuals they follow on Instagram as well as information from other users that the algorithm considers relevant. At the bottom of the screen, there is a user-friendly navigation bar with numerous icons:

1. House symbol: This symbol returns users to their feed, where they may browse the most recent postings from their contacts.

2. Magnifying Glass symbol: Tapping on this symbol brings visitors to the search screen, where they may enter the usernames of people they want to follow.

3. Pen-and-Paper symbol: By clicking on this symbol, users may start a new thread. A thread post may only be 500 characters long, and users can add photographs, videos, or GIFs by hitting the paper clip button below the text.

4. Heart indicator: This indicator reflects account activity, such as who has followed the user, who has reacted to their threads, who has mentioned them in posts, and which people have verified their accounts.

5. Human Figure symbol: Tapping on this symbol sends users to their Threads profile, where they may monitor their own activity as well as adjust their account settings.

Creating and Participating in Threads

To start a thread, users just click the pen-and-paper symbol in the navigation bar. They may then enter their message, which is restricted to 500 characters, and optionally include audiovisual assets like images, videos, or GIFs. This tool enables users to express themselves in a creative and succinct manner.

Interacting with other Threads users is an essential component of the app's experience. Users can engage with a user's thread by clicking on their profile, opening one of their topics, and using the icons found beneath the text:

1. Heart Icon: This icon allows users to "like" the topic and express their admiration for its content.

2. Dialog Box symbol: Users may respond to the thread by clicking on this symbol, allowing for meaningful interactions.

3. Reverse Symbol Symbol: Tapping on this symbol sends the thread back to the user's feed, with the opportunity to include a quotation. This function aids in highlighting engaging information and encouraging meaningful debate.

4. Paper Plane Symbol: This symbol allows users to add the thread to their Instagram story or share it on their feed. The program also allows users to capture the thread's URL and share it on their phone through SMS, email, AirDrop (for iPhone users), or other social networking platforms.

Threads also allow users to like, repost, and comment on individual answers using the same symbols, increasing community involvement.

Time Limits and Privacy Settings

Managing privacy settings on Threads is a breeze. By touching on the human figure symbol and accessing their profile, users may choose whether they want their profile to be public or private by clicking on "Edit profile" and then selecting "Private profile."

Threads also has a handy function that helps users control their time on the app. If users lose track of time, they may set reminders to take breaks at 10 to 30 minute intervals. Users must first click on the human figure icon, then the icon with two lines, to access their account settings. They may then click "Account" to access the "Take a break feature" and select the desired time restriction choice.

Threads and Twitter Comparison

While Threads has been dubbed a "Twitter killer," it is critical to grasp the fundamental distinctions between the two platforms:

1. Instagram connectivity: The most noticeable change is Threads' connectivity with Instagram, which transfers followers and profiles followed on Instagram to Threads immediately. Threads users benefit from this connection since they do not have to establish a new following from the beginning.

2. Algorithmic Timeline: Threads, like Instagram and Facebook, have an algorithmic timeline that prioritises postings based on relevancy and user participation. In comparison, Twitter's reverse chronological timeline displays the most recent posts first.

3. Media Limit and Format: Threads enables users to share lengthier videos (up to five minutes) and other media formats, whereas Twitter has video length and media type constraints.

4. Engagement and Monetization: Currently, Threads does not contain advertisements, unlike Twitter does. Like previous Meta projects, Zuckerberg has suggested that monetization will be explored in the future.

5. Hashtags and Trending Area: Threads lack hashtags and a trending area, whereas Twitter extensively relies on these tools for content discovery and interactions.

Threads is now a mobile-only site, whereas Twitter is available through a PC and its app.

Privacy and Account Deletion

Users have expressed worry over Threads' link with Instagram, which prohibits them from cancelling their Threads accounts without also deleting their Instagram accounts. Users can, however, deactivate their Threads accounts, which hides their profiles and posted information. Users may also alter their privacy settings to private and erase Threads postings; however, Threads accounts cannot be cancelled apart from Instagram. 

In response to the outcry, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri addressed the problem in a Threads article, claiming that they are working on offering a means for individuals to cancel their Threads account independently from Instagram.

Threads' Future Plans

While Threads is already creating buzz and has been branded a "Twitter killer," its ability to completely replace Twitter remains doubtful. Meta has a history of incorporating popular features from other applications onto their own platforms. For example, Meta introduced Reels, an Instagram feature similar to TikTok that has garnered traction among users.

Zuckerberg's aim for Threads goes beyond simply competing with Twitter; he intends to include Threads in the Fediverse, a social network of interconnected servers run by third parties that may speak with one another. Meta intends to employ the ActivityPub protocol to allow Threads users to engage with others on multiple servers that support the same plan. Because they won't have to start from scratch on each app, this interoperability may appeal to artists and influencers.

Conclusion

Threads is an intriguing new social media network that provides users with a one-of-a-kind platform for short-form text-based interactions and content sharing. Its connection with Instagram, algorithmic timeline, and media features distinguish it from Twitter and provide users with a new experience. While the app has gained popularity, its long-term viability as a replacement for Twitter remains to be seen. Threads has the potential to become a key participant in the world of social media as Meta continues to explore additional features and integration options. Threads' popularity may increase as users, influencers, and producers discover the platform's possibilities, propelling it to new heights in the ever-changing world of social networking.