Introducing Threads: Instagram's Upcoming Twitter Rival Social Media Platform

As social media continues to evolve, Instagram has once again taken the lead in innovation with its latest venture, Threads - a platform set to become a Twitter rival with a unique twist. Threads by Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is an upcoming app that aims to revolutionise the way we communicate and engage with our communities. 

In this blog post, we'll explore the exciting features of Threads, how it works, and how you can get started on this groundbreaking social media platform that has reached 30 million sign ups on the first day of its launch. Below are a few things that we will cover in this blog post:

• What is Threads?
  
• The Difference between Threads and Instagram
• The Difference between Threads and Twitter
• How Does Threads Work?
• How to Get Started with Threads
• Does Hashtag Work on Threads?
  
• How To Engage And Build Your Community in Threads

What is Threads?

Threads is an innovative social media app developed by Meta (formerly known as Facebook). It is designed to be a Twitter rival, offering users a distinct platform for more focused and intimate communication with their close friends and followers. Unlike Instagram, Threads centres around real-time status updates and is built with a "camera-first" approach, emphasising visual communication to connect users more authentically.

The Difference between Threads and Instagram

Threads and Instagram serve different purposes, yet they complement each other seamlessly. Instagram remains a platform for sharing a broader range of content with a wider audience, including followers and the public. Threads, on the other hand, focuses on fostering close and authentic connections by allowing users to share personal moments and updates with their closest friends privately.

The Difference between Threads and Twitter

Twitter's primary focus is on public sharing, and tweets can be seen by anyone, regardless of whether they are followers or not. The platform encourages open conversations and allows users to engage with a wide range of topics and trending discussions. On the other hand, Threads encourages users to share real-time updates and status with a select group of people on their "Close Friends" list. Hence, it offers a higher level of privacy, as updates are only visible to the selected group of friends, promoting a more intimate and authentic social experience.

How Does Threads Work?

Threads integrates seamlessly with Instagram, allowing users to share updates exclusively with their "Close Friends" list. This focused approach ensures that users can maintain meaningful connections with those who matter most. The app features the "Status" function, enabling users to share photos, videos, and text updates quickly and efficiently. Additionally, Threads offers an "Auto-Status" option, which automatically updates the user's status based on their location and activity, keeping friends informed even during busy schedules.

How to Get Started with Threads

Currently there is no desktop version of the website. Therefore, users can only access the app via iOS or Android. Non-users can view profiles from desktop browsers, where traditional features like embed codes are available but are encouraged to download the app to engage content. However, getting started with Threads is a breeze. If you already have an Instagram account, simply download the Threads app from your app store. After installation, log in using your Instagram credentials, and you're ready to begin! Threads will guide you through the process of setting up your "Close Friends" list, ensuring you share your updates with the right audience.

Below are a few key things about the Threads app:

• Threads can be connected via your Instagram account.
  Posts can be up to 500 characters long.
• Links, photos, and videos (up to five minutes in length) can be included in posts.
• You can decide to have a public or private Threads account.
• You can choose who can reply to your posts - anyone, profiles you follow, or only profiles you mention.
• In order to delete your Threads profile and data, you will have to delete your Instagram account. Alternatively, you can decide to deactivate your Threads account. If you deactivate your profile, your posts and interactions with others' posts won't be visible on Threads until you reactivate it. Deactivating your Threads profile won't delete your Threads data or affect your Instagram account.

Does Hashtag Work on Threads?

Hashtags are not currently supported on Threads. They appear as normal text and cannot be interacted with in the same way as the hashtags on an Instagram post or a tweet. However, the hashtag feature might be launched in the future together with the edit button and a following page according to Adam Mosseri, the Head of Instagram.

How To Engage And Build Your Community in Threads

Threads encourages active engagement and community-building through its unique features. Interact with your "Close Friends" by sharing real-time updates, responding to their status updates, and commenting on each other's posts. By participating in discussions and sharing valuable content, you can build a vibrant and engaged community on Threads.

One of the effective ways to build your presence on Threads is to work with influencers. Being the world’s first creator marketplace for Threads, StarNgage is a great influencer marketing platform where you can find the ideal influencers for Threads. Using StarNgage Pro, brands can use the Creator Search tool and filter influencers based on the platform. 

By tapping on their influence, you can easily create a thread that is viral and spark the conversation among the community. Not sure how to get started? Discover the top 1,000 Threads creators and influencers that we have compiled to save your time!

Other than combining with influencer marketing, it is important to humanise your brand and spark the conversations like humans although it might be rough around the edges. Instead of putting effort in creating filtered photography, it is more crucial to start “threading” with human-centric content that encourages interactions with your audience on Threads.

In a Nutshell

As Instagram's upcoming Twitter rival, Threads by Meta introduces a new dimension to social media interaction. With its emphasis on intimate communication and real-time updates, Threads creates a unique space for users to strengthen their connections with their closest friends. By harnessing the power of visual content and hashtags, Threads encourages active engagement and community-building, promising an exciting future in the realm of social media.

So, gear up for the launch of Threads and experience a more authentic and personalised social media experience like never before. If you need further guidance on getting started with Threads, feel free to reach out to us for expert advice!