Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has recently launched a new app called Threads. Threads is a text-based app that allows users to share their thoughts, photos, and videos with their followers and join public conversations. Threads is also a companion app to Instagram, which means users need to log in with their Instagram account and can import their following list and verification status. But what is Instagram Threads exactly, and how does it differ from Instagram and Twitter? Here are some things you need to know about Meta’s new app.
What are Instagram Threads?
Threads is a microblogging platform that Meta released on July 5, 2023, as a direct competitor to Twitter. According to Meta, Instagram Threads is “a new way to share with text” and “a positive and creative space to express your ideas”. Users can post up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length. Users can also follow and connect with friends and creators who share their interests, including the people they follow on Instagram and beyond. Users can also share their Threads posts to their Instagram stories or any other platform they choose.
How does Instagram Threads work?
To use Threads, users need to log in with their Instagram account. Their Instagram username and verification will carry over, with the option to customize their profile specifically for Threads. Users can choose to follow the same accounts they do on Instagram, or find new ones based on their interests. Users can also control who can mention them or reply to them within Threads and use hidden words to filter out unwanted replies. Users can also unfollow, block, restrict or report a profile on Threads by tapping the three-dot menu. Meta says it will enforce Instagram’s Community Guidelines on content and interactions in the app.
How does Threads compare to Instagram?
Threads is a separate app from Instagram, but it is closely linked to it. Users can access Threads from within the Instagram app by tapping the text icon on the top right corner of the home screen. Users can also see their Instagram direct messages on Threads and reply to them from there. Users can also see their Instagram notifications on Threads, and switch between the two apps easily. However, Threads does not have all the features of Instagram, such as reels, stories, live videos, IGTV, shopping, or explore. Threads is focused on text-based sharing and public conversations.
How does Threads compare to Twitter?
Instagram Threads is similar to Twitter in many ways, such as allowing users to post short updates and join public discussions. However, there are some differences as well. For example:
- Threads has a higher character limit than Twitter (500 vs 280).
- Threads allows users to post longer videos than Twitter (5 minutes vs 2 minutes 20 seconds).
- Threads does not have features like fleets, spaces, bookmarks, lists, or topics.
- Threads does not have a retweet or quote tweet function. Users can only like or reply to posts.
- Threads does not have verified badges for accounts that are not verified on Instagram.
- Threads does not have hashtags or trends.
What are some drawbacks of using Instagram Threads?
While Instagram Threads may seem like an attractive alternative to Twitter for some users, it also has some drawbacks that users should be aware of before signing up. For example:
- Users cannot delete their Threads account without deleting their Instagram account as well. This means users will lose all their data and content on both platforms if they decide to quit Instagram Threads.
- Users cannot use Instagram Threads without an Instagram account. This means users will need to create an Instagram account first if they don’t have one already.
- Users may face legal issues if they post content that infringes on Twitter’s trade secrets or intellectual property rights. Twitter has threatened to sue Meta over Instagram Threads for allegedly copying its features and poaching its former employees.
Conclusion
Instagram Threads is a new app from Meta that aims to challenge Twitter’s dominance in the microblogging space. It offers users a way to share text updates and join public conversations with their Instagram followers and beyond. However, it also has some limitations and risks that users should consider before signing up. If you are interested in trying out Instagram Threads, you can download it from the Google Play or App Store today.
[…] Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has recently launched a new app called Threads. Threads is a text-based app that allows users to share their thoughts, photos, and videos with their followers and join public conversations. Threads is also a companion app to Instagram, which means users need to log in with their Instagram account and can import their following list and verification status. But what is Instagram Threads exactly, and how does it differ from Instagram and Twitter? Here are some things you need to know about Meta’s new app. […]