Have you heard the hype around Meta’s new platform: Threads? The parent company of Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp launched Threads, for users to share text updates much like Twitter.
But it’s not Twitter, and Version 1.0 is very new and different so far. Let’s take a look at the platform, how to log in, and explore what we know so far about how to be successful on this app!
Logging in to Threads for the First Time
When you download Threads from your App or Google Play Store, you’ll be given the option of logging in with Instagram. This comes with advantages and disadvantages. Using your Instagram login allows you to follow the same accounts on Threads that you follow on Instagram. If they are not on Threads yet, the app will save this data for when they do get on Threads, and they will automatically get your follow, and the same goes for users who follow you. Using this feature also allows you to import your bio and profile picture with the tap of a button. Then you’ll be given the option of setting your profile to public or private before launching your new account.
The disadvantage to using your Instagram account to login comes should you choose to delete your Threads account. As of right now (7/24/2023) you cannot delete your Threads account without deleting your Instagram account. It’s a frustrating trap that most people were unaware of when they signed up, but no one seems to be deleting the app anytime soon.
According to Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, Threads had a whopping 100 million sign ups the weekend of July 7th, 2023. This is crazy growth compared to other platforms like Lemon8 which only had 16 million downloads in its first 4 months, or Spill which has less than 200 thousand users.
Using Threads
Being a lot more simple than Twitter, Threads limits the amount of things users can do on the platform. While you can:
- “Like” a Thread (the equivalent of a Tweet)
- Comment on a Thread
- Repost a Thread
- Quote-repost a Thread
- Search for accounts by name
- Follow users and have them follow you
- View your feed in relatively chronological order
You cannot:
- Save or bookmark a Thread
- View trending topics
- Find Threads by hashtag or keywords
- Run paid advertising
- Get subscribers
- Send personal or direct messages
- Schedule Threads posts
- Access Threads on a desktop computer
The Environment on Threads
Users who signed up in the first week got a real taste of the culture surrounding the Threads community. Because the interface is so simple, there isn’t much to do but share a constant stream of thoughts and interact with others. Lots of posts about “being unhinged” quickly became popular, as users felt more freedom of expression on this new platform with less stimulation. Accounts that jumped right into selling were shamed and called out for “ruining the vibes” on Threads, and even businesses backed off their usual hard-selling tactics they used on other platforms. Instead, the consensus seemed to be that the “vibe” was to have real, genuine conversations and spread positivity and actual thoughts. Here is a collection of Threads that gives you an idea of what the early posts looked like:
And of course you can always count on Wendy’s to be the most unhinged account on any app:
Conclusion: Threads seems to be here to stay
While the excitement of any new platform wears off eventually, Threads has a solid start. I’m excited to see what new changes come as Meta rolls out the updates the Instagram team is working on.
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My name is Sarah Oyibo and I run Studio Delta Designs, a digital marketing company. If you need marketing services for your organization or business, check out our services or fill out a quote form to get started!
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