Threads App: Share ideas & trends with text, an Instagram app

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Threads app?

  Threads is an online social media and social networking service developed by Meta Platforms, the company behind Instagram and Facebook. It is a microblogging platform similar to Twitter, where users can post text, images, and videos, as well as interact with other users by liking, reposting, and replying to their posts. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

  To sign up for Threads, users need to have an existing Instagram account as the app works adjacent to Instagram. Users are required to use the same handle as their Instagram account. The development of Threads began in January 2023 as a separate and independent text-focused app, initially discussed as a feature called Instagram Notes. The app was internally known as "Project 92" before its official release.

  Threads officially launched on July 5 in 100 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan. Within a short period after its launch, Threads gained significant popularity, attracting 55 million registered users.

  Overall, Threads offers users a platform to express themselves through text-based posts and engage with others in a microblogging community.

• How does the Threads app differ from traditional social media platforms?

  Threads is a text-based social networking app developed by Meta Platforms, the company behind Instagram and Facebook. It functions as a Twitter competitor, offering a platform where users can create an account by logging in using their Instagram credentials. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Threads has a focus on text-based communication and conversations.

  Here are some key differences between Threads and traditional social media platforms:

  Integration with Instagram: Threads is closely tied to Instagram, requiring users to have an Instagram account to sign up. The app allows users to connect with their existing Instagram network and follow the same accounts they follow on Instagram.

  Text-based posts: While other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram also allow text-based posts, Threads places a strong emphasis on text-based conversations. Users can create threads of up to 500 characters and engage in real-time discussions.

  Limited features: Threads currently lacks certain features commonly found on traditional social media platforms, such as direct messaging, long videos, live audio rooms, and a timeline showing only posts from accounts users follow. However, the app supports the sharing of images, videos, and GIFs within threads.

  Verification and privacy: Verified Instagram accounts are automatically verified on Threads as well. Users have the option to set their Threads accounts as public or private, similar to Instagram.

  Mobile-only access: Threads is currently only available as a smartphone app for iOS and Android devices. There is no web or desktop version of the app at the moment.

  These differences make Threads stand out as a specialized platform for text-focused conversations, providing a unique experience compared to traditional social media platforms.

• What features does the Threads app offer?

  Text-Based Conversations: Threads is a text-focused social networking app that allows users to create and engage in text-based conversations. Users can post messages called "threads" with a character limit of 500 characters per post. These threads can be replied to, reposted, and quoted by other users.

  Integration with Instagram: Threads is closely tied to Instagram, requiring users to have an Instagram account to sign up. By logging in using their Instagram credentials, users can automatically connect with their Instagram network and follow the same accounts they follow on Instagram.

  Support for Images, Videos, and GIFs: While emphasizing text-based communication, Threads also supports the posting of images, videos, and GIFs. Users can include visual media within their threads, adding depth and variety to their posts.

  Public and Private Accounts: Threads allows users to choose whether they want their account to be listed as public or private. This feature gives users control over the visibility of their threads and allows them to manage their privacy settings.

  Instagram Verification Carryover: If a user has a verified Instagram account, the verification mark is automatically carried over to their Threads account. This feature helps maintain the verified status across both platforms.

  Following Instagram Network: Threads allows users to leverage their existing Instagram network to find people to follow on the app. Users can import their username, name, and settings, including block lists, from Instagram to Threads.

  Availability on iOS and Android: The app is currently available on both iOS and Android platforms, enabling users to access Threads on their smartphones. However, there is no web or desktop version of the app at the moment.

  Viewing Threads on the Web: While you can't log in and make posts on the web, you can view Thread posts and profiles on the web through a link. This feature allows users to share their threads outside of the app.

• How is Threads different from Twitter?

  Threads and Twitter are both social media platforms that allow users to share short-form content and engage in conversations. However, there are several key differences between the two platforms:

  Account Management: To use Threads, users need to sign in using their Instagram credentials, as Threads is closely tied to Instagram. This means that Threads account management is integrated with Instagram, and deleting a Threads account requires deleting the associated Instagram account. On the other hand, Twitter is an independent platform, and users can sign up using their preferred credentials without any association with other social media platforms.

  Availability: Twitter started as a website and has since developed app versions for iOS and Android, providing flexibility in accessing accounts and feeds across different devices. In contrast, Threads is currently available only as a mobile app for iOS and Android, making it exclusively a mobile experience.

  Account Sync: Threads is synced with Instagram, and users can log into Threads using their Instagram account. The login information and username are shared between the two platforms. In contrast, Twitter is not tied to any other social media platform, and users can log in using various options such as email, phone number, or username.

  Multimedia Posts: Both Threads and Twitter allow users to share text-based posts, but they differ in terms of multimedia content. Threads allows users to post videos up to five minutes long, while Twitter has different limitations depending on account verification status. Unverified Twitter users can post videos up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds long, while verified accounts with a subscription have an extended video length limit of 25,000 characters per post.

  Additional Features: Threads and Twitter have their own unique features. For example, Threads currently lacks direct messaging functionality and GIF support, which are available on Twitter. Threads focuses on public conversations, while Twitter offers a range of features such as trending content, separate tabs for personalized and followed content, and support for GIFs.

  These are just a few of the notable differences between Threads and Twitter. While Threads aims to provide a new space for short-form content sharing within the Instagram ecosystem, Twitter remains a standalone platform with its own set of features and functionalities.

• What types of media can be shared on Threads?

  Text-based posts: Users can compose and share text-based posts on Threads with a character limit of 500 characters.

  Photos: Users have the option to include photos in their Threads posts. These photos can be shared along with the text content.

  Videos: Threads supports video sharing, allowing users to post videos up to five minutes long.

  GIFs: Although some sources mention that Threads currently lacks GIF support, it's possible that this feature could be added in future updates.

• How to join Threads app?

  To join the Threads app, you can follow these steps:

  Download the Threads app: You can find the Threads app on the App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices.

  Launch the app: Open the Threads app after downloading it on your device.

  Log in with your Instagram account: Tap on the "Log in with Instagram" button located at the bottom of the screen. Enter your Instagram account credentials to log in.

  Customize your profile (optional): Once you log in, you may be prompted to customize your Threads profile. You can add a profile picture, fill out your bio, and add a link if desired.

  Choose who to follow: After setting up your profile, you can choose which accounts to follow on Threads. You have the option to follow the same accounts you already follow on Instagram.

  Once you have completed these steps, you will be able to use the Threads app and see posts from the people you follow, as well as engage in conversations and share your own text-based updates with photos, videos, and links.

• Where can I access the Threads Online?

  https://www.threads.guide/