What Is Instagram Threads: Everything You Need To Know

Social media platforms are emerging now and then. So much so that it becomes difficult to keep track of it, moreover, it is difficult to understand where you should invest your time and money. Instagram Threads is one of them. So, what is Instagram Threads?

So, if you are thinking about “what is Threads” or “what is Threads on Instagram,” let me tell you that it is Meta’s newest addition to all the social media platforms it has. They launched it on 5th July 2023. Within a few hours of its launch, Threads had over 10 million sign-ups and acquired 100 million in just five days.

Even though the platform has created a lot of buzz from the moment it arrived, some people are thinking about whether it will be a good platform to choose for their social media marketing strategy.

The platform has grown popular, and by November 2024, it has more than 275 million monthly active users. Let’s dive deep and learn what is Threads app is and what is Instagram Threads used for.

What Is Instagram Threads?

Threads is the newest social media platform by Meta and is a text-based app. Users can post anything they like within 500 characters. Moreover, it allows users to post photos, links, and videos with a time limit of 5 minutes. To this, users can respond and create a thread.

It is currently available to all Instagram users in 100 countries who have access to Android and iOS devices. Meta is trying to bring access to desktop web users and improve their user experience. However, people have been comparing it with Twitter, as the setup process is similar.

Instagram has added a threads logo to the profile of those users who have created an account. So, users and visitors to the Instagram profile can easily access the Threads account by clicking on the logo.

There is an Instagram logo on the Threads profile, and you can get back to the Instagram account with just a click. There is also an option to cross-post Threads to Instagram, like Instagram stories and posts.

How To Sign Up For Instagram Threads?

Till now, you were just an Instagram user learning about the difference between a post and a story, signing up and deleting your Instagram profile, and how to anonymously view Instagram stories. Now, it is time to learn about “what is Threads” and how to sign up. Here are the steps mentioned.

• You know what is the Threads app, so download it on your device.
• Log into your Instagram account.
• The profile page will pop up, and you can customize your profile picture, name, link, and bio, or simply tap “Import from Instagram,” and get the exact details from your Instagram account.
• Choose whether you want to keep the account “Private” or “Public,” and click on “Next.”
• Choose whether you want to follow some, all, or none of the Instagram accounts you follow.
• Check the terms & policies, and click “Create Profile” from the bottom.

Threads vs. Twitter: The Difference

Threads are not just a byproduct of Instagram. It was specifically built to compete with Twitter. Threads mentioned that it was built mainly for entertainment and not politics and news like Twitter.

After Twitter went through that huge rebranding when Elon Musk took over, their usage reduced by 25%, and traffic decreased by 6% from January to June 2023. Even though they lost around 5 million users they still have around 200 million global active users.

Threads reached 100 million users within days after the launch, and this is one of the fastest growth rates in the social media app world. However, it has also seen a significant 70% fall in its active daily user count, meaning that Insta users are trying the platform but later opting out.

However, it is very soon to decide how long Threads will survive in this saturated market compared to Twitter. Twitter often makes changes like it has rebranded itself as “X.” you must know the differences and similarities between the two platforms to decide which platform you should invest in for your brand marketing.

Should You Use Instagram Threads For Your Business?

Now that you have an idea about what is Threads app, and what is Instagram Threads, let’s discuss whether choosing it as one of the social media marketing platforms would benefit you in any way or not.

Well, if the user base of Instagram Threads continues to grow the way it does, then you can definitely invest in the platform for your business. You should always try to maximize the online presence and ensure users can find the brand easily.

So, keep up with the business listings, build a strong social media profile, and increase the web presence. This will build a reputation for your brand, and you will also see brand loyalty. Moreover, you can join the platform for free and save a lot of the marketing budget.

People are all over the social media platforms these days. So, it is beneficial to have an account on the platform, as it is one of the trending social media platforms, and there is no specific one-size-fits-all answer for a business.

What Is Instagram Threads Used For?

Numerous people are thinking, “What are Instagram threads used for,” and here is the answer to that question. It helps a business in different ways. Even though you will not find many brands investing, here are a few things you can try. Let’s check those.

Create a voice of your own

Threads do not have an identity of their own yet. It is related to both Instagram and Twitter. However, Instagram has a mild image-oriented tone, whereas Twitter is fast-paced with a lot of trends and inside jokes, which is not clear to many people.

So, you can find a balance between the two and make a tone of your own through the platform. Also, you have almost the same number of followers on Threads like Instagram, and some people know you from Twitter. So, create something that will interest both audiences.

Repurpose the popular posts

The platform is relatively new, so you might not want to put in a lot of effort on it and create an elaborate strategy for it. So, what you can do is repurpose your best content, and this can work for the moment.

Like any other social media platform, you want to be consistent and post content regularly. If you cannot find something new, post your most popular content from other social media platforms. If you have a viral post from any other platform, share it here. Just ensure the post is not too platform-centric that it will lose its audience in Threads.

Engage with your audience

What is threads on Instagram? It is a sister product of Instagram, and you can move your bio, profile, and follower list to the platform as well. So, you have a significant follower base on Threads as well. Just get inside the comment section and communicate with people in a way you could not on Instagram.

When you are posting something from Instagram, focus on the comments and questions and respond to those. Also, take some time out and look through all the recent posts coming on your feed. You should focus on educating content while keeping the followers entertained.

Tips To Get Started With This New Platform

Well, if you have made up your mind and want to incorporate this platform into your marketing strategy, here are a few tips that you should keep in mind.

Have a Strong Instagram Presence

If you do not have a completely optimized Instagram account, then there is no point in taking it to Threads. Ensure that your Instagram account is consistent. This will make it easy for the brand to make its place in Threads.

Moreover, you can notify your followers that you have joined a new platform and ask them to meet you there. Also, you can share your Threads content on Instagram and encourage your followers to join you on the new platform.

Know Your Competition

When you are trying out something new, especially a new platform, know about your competitors and keep a close eye on them. Look up your competitors on the platform and find out what they are trying. What is their approach, and identify opportunities to stand out from others.

Set Some Goals

Have a clear vision of what you are trying to achieve through Instagram Threads whether it is getting customers down the social funnel, engagement, or brand awareness. Find a way to track your performance and set the goals using the SMART method.

Be Active

Once you have set up the profile, don’t leave it idle. Make sure to let the audience know that you are active in the community, and it is worth their while to follow you. You have to respond to the comments and start up conversations to keep the audience engaged.

Promote on Other Channels

It is apparent that you have to promote your Threads account on Instagram, but you have to take the cross-channel approach to promote your account. For instance, link your Threads account to your website. Also, you can encourage your Twitter and LinkedIn followers to join you on Threads.

Missing Features From The Platform

Well, there are a few features that are missing from the platform. Let’s take a look at those.

• Scheduling posts is still not available like it is there on Instagram. You know the best time to post reels on Instagram, and can do accordingly, but that is not available here.
• Direct messages are also not available on Threads. This is also a feature which is important for effective communication.
• There is no scope for support from third-party clients.

Privacy Policy And Data Collection

To log in to your Threads account, you are using the login credentials of Instagram. Meta has mentioned it as a part of your Instagram account. However, it was not transparent to the users how the app collected data.

To answer the question, Rob Sherman, the deputy chief privacy officer of Meta, mentioned that the privacy labels are the same as the other apps the company apps, and they use similar data collection methods and privacy policies.

He mentioned, “The labels are similar to the rest of our apps, including Instagram, in that our social apps receive whatever info (including the categories of data listed in the App Store) you share in the app.”

Have You Signed Up Yet?

Now you pretty much have an idea about “what is Instagram Threads.” So, if you are ready to change your social media marketing strategy, include Threads and start a meaningful conversation with your followers.

Businesses who have tried to shine on Twitter but couldn’t can try Threads as an alternative. Moreover, it is a new opportunity to grow your business and engage with the audience more.

Read Also:

• Threads Looks For Advancement In Its API Testing To Capitalize On The Momentum
• Meta Brings The First Stage Of Threads Interoperability Through ActivityPub