Social Threads app: Will It Be the Next Twitter?

Threads app is a text-based social media platform, developed by Meta (previously Facebook), to boost interaction amongst close friends with real-time conversations. It is very similar to Twitter (Now ‘X’) and competes as its rival. It crossed more than 100 million users in just 5 days, even though it was not available in EU countries at that time, but still ranks top on app stores in Twitter searches.

This new app by Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri has around 150 Million monthly threads active users up until Feb 2024, Is this going to be the next big thing? Its integration with Facebook and Instagram makes it much easier to connect with your friends on those platforms. This massive launch and user signups came with mixed responses, but generally positive and welcoming.

How is Threads different from Twitter (X)?

Although the source code and functionality of Threads is nearly the same as Twitter and is considered Mark Zuckerberg cloned Twitter in just 3 months.

But if you look closely at their features and demographics, they are far from similar.

Set of Features

Threads on the other hand, while still in their earlier stages, promises to introduce more aesthetics to Threads user interface, Meta threads advertising, and other Twitter-like features. Offering more room for business owners and brands to grow their audiences here. Threads could cause real trouble for Twitter in such aspects.

Users can add threads link to Instagram to notify about newer stories and posts. While X has no such cross-platform visibility features.

Threads app Hashtags are now available but with a twist, it includes Topic tags to categorize content for your close friends to see. For targeting local and global audiences, Twitter uses only hashtags.

Allows ads and sponsored content at a large scale, while there is no paid advertising on Threads (as of yet).

Twitter Blue Subscription fee is 8$ per month, or 84$ a year (varies for different plans), While Threads Blue checkmark demands 14.99$ a month to keep going.

The verification process has gotten complex on Twitter(X), whereas verified accounts from Instagram can be carried onto Threads (no fee included).

Twitter offers a variety of feeds, and stories all over the world, while Threads feed settings allow singular feed from the accounts you follow and trends.

Search options on Threads are limited to finding accounts, whereas Twitter allows searching for tags, phrases, and trends.

Threads post limit is up to 500 words, meanwhile, Twitter allows nearly half of that, 280 words. The same goes for Threads video limit, Twitter allows posting videos up to 5 minutes in length while Twitter allows up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

Twitter posts are for everyone to see, and share publicly to increase engagement, while Thread shares are visible only to your followers and friends.

Content Policy / Discussion Platform

Although the fight is to decide what content should be allowed to be shared or talked about. Twitter has bigger political, religious, and bold communities with audiences that follow that content. Just like the previous platforms, this new app by Mark Zuckerberg, “Threads” also refrains from such discussions that could be against a local government or anyone’s ideals.

The core battle is the online content policies, Threads content policy offers friendly discussion within a safe environment. Twitter (X) on the other hand is a different game and breaks the barriers of conventional censorship. Anyone with genuine ideas, agendas, and arguments can speak freely and at large.

Threads Community Guidelines are somewhat restrictive and do not even allow anyone to promote a potentially harmful yet justified agenda.

How Threads is Good for Marketing?

Threads for business can be a new online space for marketers and brands, to spread their brand awareness and set out for diversified marketing campaigns.
Let us break it down:

Offering one-on-one real-time conversations between the brand and followers builds great customer loyalty and engages users on a personal level. Your brand answers your queries & solves problems. Threads for brands, due to their short text form and enhanced visuals, capture more emotions and appeal.
With its fast-paced and disappearing content features, brands can share exclusive highlights, behind-the-scenes cuts, and upcoming brand offers. The free advertisement should be put to its full use until there is an announcement for paid advertising on Threads.
Instagram integration lets you import Instagram followers to Threads platform instead of building an audience from scratch. Followers can step into your Thread content with a click. You can also share your Threads posts and stories on Instagram for wider outreach and maximum visibility. Enjoy Threads business account straight from Instagram
Observing its rapid growth since its launch, Threads can be a promising place to start advertising. Although the direct monetization features for it are not available they shall be announced soon. Once it is official, your brand can have a fresh Threads user engagement and an audience who is actively listening to your content. Posting regularly and interacting with your followers can be a great start to building a famous online presence.
With more content length for text (500 words) and video threads (up to 5 minutes) on Threads, you can explore more creativity and share information on your platform for active engagement. You can Text Share online plus videos including case studies, success stories, Q&A sessions, brand insights, how-to guides, updates, and quotes for a wholesome experience.
Just keep it business-oriented to provide short-form content around your niche. Don’t try to make it into a journal, just keep it exciting, engaging, and digestible.
Threads is still in its early stages and can be extrapolated to newer and more expandable Threads monetization streams. If you don’t wanna miss out on that opportunity, start experimenting now. Try new ideas, keep up with updates, and explore the landscape to get a better sense of how things work on Threads.

Thread features: How Is Threads Different from all other platforms?

Here is a breakdown of Thread app review:

Group Threads

Threads allow sharing content within group chats with a maximum of 8 members. Group threads are designed to give a more life-like experience and inner discussions.

Centered around Close Friends

It is more of a private sharing environment amongst close friends lists. The interactions are fast-paced and more intimate.

Easier Fan Base Creation

Users can readily build their threads followers here — as they can import Instagram followers to threads. Plus those followers will be notified of your Threads account creation. You can follow all Instagram friends on Threads

Cross-Media Content

You can choose to share text posts, threads audio notes, photos, and videos in group chats.

A Threads post can have 500 characters and link attachments for more details. Creating room for more fun interactions and business creativity.

Disappearing Texts and Posts

Thread text messages and posts can be set to disappear after a timer. This limited time window boosts massive reactions, engagement, and chatting.

Text and Video Status Update

You can share text Thread and videos that are only visible to your close friends or any person of interest.

Threads Verified

Threads users can enjoy a verified blue tick account with a 14.99$ monthly subscription. You can also choose to get threads blue check mark through Instagram. If you have already paid for an ad there, then your card info is saved in the Threads database as well.

Instagram-verified accounts get automatically verified on Threads.

Threads Video Limit

Post videos on threads that are up to 5 minutes long. Giving you more room for creativity with content length rather than 1-2 minute reels.

Ads Free Experience

There are no paid ads at all as of now. But the Meta Threads advertising is set to be launched in 2024. So keep an eye on that.

Threads App Hashtags

As this platform is driven to boost interpersonal connections rather than the public, hashtags on threads app serve an extra purpose other than content discovery on a large scale.

So threads app introduces an additional concept of “Topic tags” for post descriptions without the ‘#’ symbol. Let your friends know in which categories are you posting content in, and people can search such media under content categories.

Additional Threads Updates

The original primary version has undergone some updates and bug fixes. Here are some of Threads updates:

iOS 17 update compatible to avoid threads app crashing
Improved scroll dismiss
Double tap on the Search tab for searches
Removing unwanted functions in source code for reduced binary size
Facepile pill polish
Threads profile viewer can now expand pictures and tall photos for full-view

Threads in Fediverse?

Unlike other social media platforms, Threads currently does not support decentralized social networks. But Adam Mosseri is set to launch its support for Mastodon and Meta Threads AcitivityPub. Users will be able to take their audience to another server in case of being removed from the Threads platform. Federated Universe, Fediverse integration poses some concerns for a new platform but it shall be extremely useful in unexpected scenarios.

Who should use Threads?

Threads platform is an ideal place for those who:

Prefer to keep close group interactions more engaging and private.
Want to enjoy ephemeral content sharing or short-lasting interactions.
Are looking to grow their consumer base and audiences beyond Facebook and Instagram.
Want to spread Brand awareness and explore new content ideas to enhance their customer loyalty and expand consumer net.

Drawbacks

One of the most prominent and obvious drawbacks would be:

1: To delete a threads account, you have to delete your Instagram account. You can deactivate it to avoid trouble.

Adam Mosseri (Head of Instagram) announced that they shall introduce an update so users can delete their Threads account separately.

2: Cannot save drafts on threads apps.

3: Users are not allowed to edit or delete posts. Once you post something, it is there forever.

4: You cannot keep your Threads activities completely separate from Facebook or Instagram involvement.

5: Threads lack comprehensive information and data insights regarding audience engagement and performance. (for businesses and content creators).

6: Threads App data collection practices raise some concerns, just like Facebook and Instagram data collection history, which was then addressed in court to Mark Zuckerberg and his team.

How to Create Threads Account?

1: For Threads App download, head over to your Google Play Store or iOS store and search “Threads”. You may also choose to visit their website without any installation.

2: Now when you go to the Threads app login page, it will automatically fetch your Instagram account details (presuming you are logged into your Instagram on that device).

3: You can continue to approve and verify the login attempt from your Instagram account directly.

4: Follow the on-screen instructions to create Threads account, you may decide to keep it a Threads private profile or a public one.

You can choose to keep your Threads account public while keeping your Instagram in private settings, and vice versa is also applicable.

5: Congratulations, you are now a Threads account user! Start using Threads with your friends, share posts, videos, GIFs, and create group chats. Explore more to understand its features and how to interact better.

FAQs

Can you use Threads without Instagram?

Afraid not, visitors cannot use Threads without an Instagram account. It is deeply rooted in Instagram Meta and adapts the same Threads username and profile name from Instagram threads. European countries have access to Threads without Instagram but with a limited set of features.

What is Threads Logo?

Adam Messori describes Threads logo as a classic “@” symbol, which indicates a person’s username, individuality, and unique identity. Threads icon and logo express an unbroken line that goes into a loop. Both elements are based on Instagram aesthetics,

How to use threads on PC?

One of the most convenient methods for threads app download for PC is to use a mobile app emulator. Search for “BlueStacks” on your browser and install it.

After you have finished installation, open the homepage and go to the Play Store.

Type “Threads” and install.

And there it is your Threads PC app on your desktop. You can keep using it on your emulator.
Aside from an Android emulator on Windows, you can choose to have Threads on desktop Mac.

How to follow all your Instagram followers on Threads?

It’s pretty straightforward. Follow these steps:

Go to the Threads App
Sign in with your Instagram credentials
Tap on “Import your Instagram details” to enable Threads import Instagram followers
Select who would you like to follow
Or else, Follow all.

What does the Threads number mean on Instagram?

The Threads badge number is your position in the queue to join the application. If your badge number is 435, this means that you are the 435th person to join Threads. It was assigned to early adopters who gained access and were able to report bugs.

Threads badge Instagram was removed quite soon, now that the user base has crossed millions. Only a few people still have it. That number is now covered with a stylish threads icon.