Instagram’s text-based program, Threads, is making headlines as a real rival to X (previously Twitter). Curious about how it works? We’ve got you covered with.
Here's everything you need to know about Instagram Threads — from opening the program to writing your first post.
What Is the Instagram Threads App?
According to Instagram, "Threads is a new app, built by the Instagram team, for sharing text updates and joining public conversations."
Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, says in a recent Reel that "[Threads] combines the finest components of the Instagram experience and develops a brand new app around language, thoughts, and expressing what’s on your mind.”
And in his own Reel, Instagram's CEO Adam Mosseri, says they're implementing safety safeguards like hidden words, restrict, and community norms - underlining they want Threads to be "friendly and open."
One Huge Change?
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Their future ambitions are to combine Threads with ActivityPub — making it interoperable with other programs like Mastodon and WordPress.
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"If you’re a creative, you should own your audience. And integrating into this protocol should allow us to enable you to take your followers with you to another server or app — should you so desire in the future,” Adam explains.
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This may be big — especially since many marketers and producers speak about the significance of not only depending on social media platforms.
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Why? By establishing your own blog, website, or newsletter, you can connect with your audience on your own terms, too.
Who Has Access to the Instagram Threads App?
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Instagram Threads is accessible in over 100 countries on both iOS and Android devices.
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You may also follow the Instagram Threads account — @threadsapp — for more timely updates.
How Does the Instagram Threads App Work?
Similar to X (and other equivalents), Instagram Threads enables you publish text-based material — with the opportunity to attach links, photographs, and videos.
Here's A Couple High-level Takeaways
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Threads may be connected via your Instagram account
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Posts can be up to 500 characters long
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Links, images, and videos (up to five minutes in duration) can be added in posts
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You may have a public or private Threads account
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You may choose who can comment to your postings on Threads: anybody, profiles you follow, or just profiles you mention
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If you remove your Threads account, it will not destroy your Instagram account
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Keep down for additional in-depth breakdowns – including how to set up your Threads account, publish your first post and more.
How to Set Up Your Instagram Threads Profile
Step #1: First, download the app (iOS or Google).
Step #2: Login using your Instagram account. If you're already hooked into the Instagram app, there will be a prompt to log in using that account, or you may switch to another.
Step #3: Now, it's time to compose your bio. You may either create your own or click the "Import from Instagram" button and it'll do it for you automatically:
Step #4: You may then choose whether you'd like your Threads profile to be public or private.
Step #5: Next, you may select to follow the same accounts you follow on Instagram (more on that, below).
Step #6: Finally, follow the remaining step, and voilà — you've officially joined Threads.
Read Also: How to Increase Engagement on Instagram
How to Automatically Follow Other Users on Instagram Threads
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When first setting up your Instagram Threads profile, you'll have the chance to follow the same profiles you follow on Instagram.
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If they already have a public Threads account, you'll be able to follow them automatically.
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If they have a private Threads account, they'll receive a request from you (similar to Instagram).
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And if they don't have a Threads account, it'll display as "Pending" until they join up.
How to Manually Follow Other Users on Instagram Threads
There are two major methods to manually follow other people on Instagram Threads — either via search or directly on your feed.
1: Manually Follow Via Search
- First, click on the search sign at the bottom of your feed:
2: Manually Follow via Threads Feed
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As you scroll your Home feed, posts from accounts you don't follow will surface (the post has either been republished or reacted to by an account you already follow).
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If you'd like to follow the account, click the + symbol beneath their profile image.