Instagram Threads App: Everything You Need to Know

The Rise of Twitter Alternatives

Following Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022, numerous alternative social networks, both established and newly developed, have attracted users seeking different platforms.

Exploring the Options

Several platforms have emerged as potential replacements for Twitter. These include Mastodon, Bluesky, Spill, and T2.

Meta’s Threads platform is also gaining traction among individuals exploring alternatives.

A Shift in Social Networking

The changes at Twitter have prompted a noticeable movement towards other social media options.

Users are actively investigating platforms that offer different approaches to social networking and content sharing.

Platforms Gaining Popularity

• Mastodon: A decentralized social network offering a unique user experience.
• Bluesky: An alternative platform focused on open protocols.
• Spill: A newer platform aiming to provide a different social media environment.
• T2: Another emerging option for those seeking alternatives.
• Threads: Meta’s platform integrated with Instagram.

These platforms represent a diverse range of approaches to social media, catering to various user preferences.

Threads: An Overview and Account Creation

Threads represents Meta's entry into the text-based social media landscape, directly competing with platforms like Twitter. Its functionality is intrinsically linked to Instagram, streamlining the signup process for existing users.

Account Setup Process

Creating a Threads account is remarkably straightforward. Users can gain access by utilizing their existing Instagram login details.

This integration means a separate username and password aren't required. Instead, your Threads profile is automatically associated with your Instagram identity.

Key Features and Considerations

• Seamless Integration: The connection with Instagram simplifies account creation and potentially allows for cross-platform sharing.
• Text-Based Focus: Threads prioritizes text-based conversations, similar to the core experience offered by Twitter.
• Meta Ecosystem: As a product of Meta, Threads is positioned within a broader network of social media applications.

Essentially, if you already have an Instagram account, accessing Threads is a quick and easy process. The platform leverages your existing Instagram profile for authentication and identity.

Threads vs. Twitter: Key Distinctions

Unlike its competitor, the Threads platform currently operates without a paid subscription model or the presence of advertisements.

Importantly, existing Instagram verification badges are seamlessly transferred to Threads, regardless of whether a user has subscribed to Meta Verified.

A significant advantage for new users is the ability to leverage their established Instagram connections to discover and follow familiar accounts.

Feature Comparison

Although Threads has been available for over a year, it presently lacks several functionalities commonly found on Twitter.

These missing features include support for extended-form video content, the ability to send direct messages, and the availability of live audio conversation rooms.

Understanding and Utilizing Threads

Currently, the Threads platform is accessible on both iOS and Android devices across over 100 countries globally. Initial availability was limited, with the app not being released in the European Union until December 2023 due to data privacy regulations.

Upon its EU launch, Meta provided a browsing experience for users within the region, even without requiring account creation. However, posting and engagement features were initially restricted for these users.

Account Setup and Synchronization

Access to Threads is facilitated through existing Instagram accounts. This integration allows users to automatically follow the same accounts they already follow on Instagram.

Furthermore, key account details, including usernames, profile names, and established settings – such as block lists – are seamlessly imported from Instagram, streamlining the user experience.

Threads User Statistics: A Current Overview

Currently, as of November 2024, the Threads platform boasts over 275 million users who engage with it on a monthly basis.

The platform experienced significant growth following its introduction. Initial adoption was rapid, demonstrating strong user interest.

Rapid Initial Growth

Within a remarkably short timeframe – just hours after its initial release – Threads surpassed 10 million registered users.

This momentum continued, and the platform achieved a milestone of 100 million users within a mere five days of becoming available.

This swift expansion highlights the platform’s potential and the demand for a text-based conversation app linked to Instagram.

• Over 275 million monthly active users (November 2024).
• 10 million sign-ups within hours of launch.
• 100 million users reached in five days.

The growth trajectory indicates a successful launch and continued user engagement with the Threads application.

Understanding the Constraints of Threads Posting

The Threads application currently restricts posts to a maximum of 500 characters. Posts are enhanced by support for various media types, including images, videos, and animated GIFs.

Each individual Thread post can accommodate up to ten different media attachments. This allows for richer content sharing within the platform.

Recent Rate Limit Adjustments

In response to a surge in spam activity, Threads implemented stricter rate limits on July 17th. These limits govern the number of posts users are able to view within a given timeframe.

The adjustments were necessary to mitigate the impact of malicious bots and ensure a positive user experience. These measures aim to control the spread of unwanted content.

Essentially, the platform had to temporarily limit how many posts users could see to combat the spam attacks. This was a proactive step to maintain platform integrity.

• Character Limit: 500 characters per post.
• Media Support: Images, videos, and GIFs are supported.
• Media Attachments: Up to 10 media items per post.
• Rate Limits: Implemented to combat spam.

Accessing Threads via Web Browsers

It is indeed possible to engage with the Threads platform using standard web browsers. Users are able to both view existing content and create new posts directly from the Threads.net website.

Web Accessibility of Threads

Initially launched as a mobile-exclusive application, Threads has expanded its accessibility. This expansion now allows users to interact with the platform on desktop and laptop computers.

Functionality on the Web

The web version of Threads mirrors much of the functionality found in the mobile app. This includes browsing the feed, viewing profiles, and composing new threads.

How to Access Threads on the Web

Simply navigate to Threads.net in your preferred web browser. You can then log in with your existing Instagram account to begin using the platform.

The web interface provides a convenient alternative for those who prefer a larger screen or wish to use Threads while working on a computer.

Deleting Your Threads Account: A Comprehensive Guide

Users have the option to either deactivate or completely delete their Threads accounts. Previously, Meta’s privacy policy stipulated that Threads account deletion necessitated the simultaneous deletion of the associated Instagram account, a rule that was in effect until late 2023.

Understanding Account Deactivation vs. Deletion

It’s important to differentiate between deactivation and deletion. Deactivation temporarily suspends your account, allowing for reactivation later. Deletion, conversely, is a permanent action.

The 30-Day Retention Period

Following a deletion request, Meta retains your account data for a period of 30 days. This timeframe allows for potential cancellation of the deletion process.

Cancelling Account Deletion

Should you reconsider your decision within the 30-day window following your initial request, the deletion can be cancelled, and your account restored. This provides a safeguard against accidental or hasty account removal.

Current Deletion Process

As of late 2023, the process has been updated. You can now delete your Threads account without also deleting your Instagram account. This change offers greater flexibility and control to users.

How to Initiate Deletion

The specific steps to initiate account deletion are available within the Threads app settings. Users should navigate to the appropriate section to begin the process.

Personalizing Your Threads Experience

Threads now enables users to designate specific search terms and tags as dedicated feeds. Currently undergoing testing is a feature that will facilitate the creation of bespoke feeds through the inclusion of particular profiles and keywords. Previously, the platform’s algorithmic “For You” feed served as the standard view for all users, but now any feed can be established as the default.

Drawing inspiration from the social network Bluesky, Meta’s Threads has introduced its own iteration of “Starter Packs” – curated lists of accounts to follow centered around diverse interests. In March, Meta revealed that Threads was initiating trials of a new functionality allowing users to specify their interests directly on their profiles, thereby guiding them towards relevant discussions.

Custom Feed Creation

The ability to build custom feeds represents a significant step in user control. This allows individuals to curate their Threads experience around topics and people they specifically care about. Rather than relying solely on the algorithm, users can proactively shape their content stream.

Profile Interests and Discovery

Adding interests to your profile is designed to enhance content discovery. This feature aims to connect users with ongoing conversations aligned with their passions. It’s a method for Threads to better understand user preferences and deliver more relevant content.

Pinning Feeds for Quick Access

The option to pin search terms and tags as feeds provides a streamlined way to access frequently visited content. This functionality prioritizes preferred topics, ensuring they are readily available. It’s a simple yet effective method for organizing the Threads experience.

Setting a Default Feed

The flexibility to set any feed as the default offers greater control over the initial view upon opening the app. Users are no longer limited to the algorithmic feed and can prioritize content based on their individual needs. This customization option enhances the overall user experience.

Direct Messaging Capabilities on Threads

Currently, the Threads application does not support direct messaging between users within the platform itself. This functionality was a deliberate design choice by Meta, the parent company of both Instagram and Threads.

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has explained that the intention behind this decision is to avoid creating another inbox for users to manage.

The Focus on External Sharing

Instead of building a dedicated direct messaging system, Threads is designed to facilitate sharing of threads to other messaging applications.

The platform encourages users to continue conversations on platforms where they already have established messaging habits. This approach aims to integrate Threads with existing communication workflows.

• Key takeaway: Threads prioritizes sharing content *to* other apps, rather than containing all communication within itself.
• The strategy avoids inbox overload for users.

Therefore, if you wish to communicate privately with someone regarding a thread, you will need to copy the link and share it through a different messaging service, such as Instagram Direct, WhatsApp, or another preferred platform.

Is an API Available for Threads?

Following a period of testing with chosen partners, the public API for Threads was officially released in June 2024.

This allows developers to create applications capable of publishing user content and accessing posts, as well as gathering data regarding user engagement.

API Functionality

Currently, the Threads API does not support functionality for deleting posts.

However, it does enable the development of tools focused on content creation, retrieval, and performance analysis.

• Developers can now programmatically publish posts on behalf of users.
• Retrieval of a user’s own posts is also possible through the API.
• Insights into post engagement metrics can be obtained.

The launch of this API represents a significant step towards expanding the platform’s capabilities and fostering a more robust developer ecosystem.

The Possibility of Third-Party Clients for Threads

Currently, the Threads application programming interface (API) presents certain restrictions. Specifically, developers are unable to retrieve timeline data through the API.

Consequently, the development of alternative client applications for Threads is not feasible at this time.

API Limitations and Client Development

The inability to access timeline data is a significant obstacle. It prevents external applications from replicating the core functionality of the official Threads app.

Without timeline data, third-party clients would offer a substantially diminished user experience.

Future Prospects

The situation may evolve as the Threads API is further developed. Future updates could potentially remove these limitations.

Should the API allow for timeline data retrieval, the creation of third-party Threads clients would become a possibility.

Threads and the Fediverse: A Growing Connection

Threads is becoming increasingly integrated with the fediverse, though not entirely. In early 2024, Meta initiated testing to enable the sharing of Threads posts to the broader fediverse network.

When users activate this sharing feature, individuals utilizing compatible ActivityPub platforms, such as Mastodon, gain the ability to follow Threads accounts and view their published content.

Furthermore, the fediverse community can now engage with Threads posts by offering likes.

Expanding Fediverse Interoperability

Meta continued to enhance fediverse support throughout 2024. They introduced functionality allowing Threads users to view responses originating from fediverse users directly on their posts.

Additionally, content created via the Threads API is now capable of being disseminated across the fediverse.

Users can also now identify which accounts are following them from other servers within the network.

Recent Developments: Following Fediverse Profiles

As of December 2024, Threads users have been granted the capability to follow profiles hosted on other fediverse servers.

This represents a significant step towards greater interoperability and a more connected social media landscape.

• Key takeaway: Threads is progressively adopting fediverse standards.
• Current status: Users can share to, and interact with, the fediverse.
• Future outlook: Further integration is expected.

Currently Missing Features in Threads

The Threads platform, while rapidly gaining traction, still lacks certain functionalities present in established social networks. Several key features are currently absent, impacting the user experience for those accustomed to more comprehensive platforms.

Key Feature Gaps

A number of improvements are anticipated by users. These enhancements would bring Threads closer to feature parity with competitors and address current limitations.

• Full Fediverse Integration: Currently, Threads' connection to the Fediverse is limited. Complete integration would allow seamless interaction with other compatible platforms.
• Post Scheduling: The ability to schedule posts for future publication is a frequently requested feature. Meta has announced that this functionality is coming soon.
• Direct Messages: A private messaging system is notably missing from Threads. Users currently rely on Instagram DMs for direct communication.
• Support for Lists: The option to create and manage lists of users for curated content viewing is not yet available.
• Third-Party Client Support: Threads does not currently offer support for applications developed by third-party developers.

These missing features represent areas where Threads has the potential to expand its capabilities and enhance its appeal to a wider audience. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for the platform’s long-term success.

The development team is actively working on improvements, and users can expect to see some of these features implemented in future updates.

Threads Data Collection: A Detailed Overview

Threads utilizes your existing Instagram account for login, and Meta clarifies that the application functions as an extension of your Instagram profile.

Concerns regarding the app’s data gathering practices have surfaced, particularly in relation to the privacy information displayed within the App Store.

Responding to inquiries about these App Store privacy labels, Rob Sherman, Meta’s deputy chief privacy officer, indicated that the data practices are consistent with other Meta applications.

He explained in a Threads post that, like Instagram, the app collects information that users share within the platform, encompassing the data categories outlined in the App Store.

Data shared within the Threads application contributes to the information collected, mirroring the approach taken by other social media platforms developed by Meta.

This information was originally published on July 6, 2023, and is subject to ongoing updates to reflect the latest developments.