Threads: Everything you need to know before joining
The new threads app has been the talk of the town since it was launched. But what is it and is it really worth joining? Here is what we think.
Threads is an Instagram based text app where you can post threads, reply to others, and follow profiles you’re interested in. Threads and replies can include short pieces of text, links, photos, videos or any combination of them.
People can also follow you to see your threads and replies in their feed and from your profile. Who can see your posts is determined by your profile’s privacy setting. People can reply to your posts to add to the discussion or like, share, quote or repost your content. Anyone who has an Instagram account can create a Threads profile.
So how is Threads different from Twitter?
One of the biggest things that has stuck out with threads is that unlike like majority of our current social media apps, there are no paid tiers and ads.
Furthermore, it does not have features such as long video, live audio rooms, and direct messages. Not only that, but there is also no character limit when threading, and you can attach up to 10 images when creating a thread.
So as much as Threads seems similar to Twitter, there are actually a large number of differences.
How Threads is linked to Instagram
The easiest way to get onto Threads is by using your Instagram account to log in. Your Instagram username and verification will carry over, with the option to customize your profile specifically for Threads.
Moreover, since your Threads profile and Instagram profile are linked, if you have someone blocked on Instagram, they will automatically be blocked on Threads as well.
As convenient as this is, it also has its disadvantages. The biggest one being that you cannot delete your Threads account without deleting your Instagram account as well, since they are linked.
Our favorite features on Threads
Control who mentions you
Protect your mentions! You get to choose whether people can post your account handle in a way that directly leads to your profile. Open your profile page on Threads and select the two lines at the top, then tap Privacy and Mentions. The app allows you to choose between allowing everyone to link to your account, only people you follow, or no one at all.
Lock down those replies
Control your Threads experience even further by choosing who gets to respond to your threads. You can do this on a post-by-post basis. As you’re crafting a new post on Threads, tap on “Anyone can reply” in the bottom left corner. This will let you choose if the post is open to replies from everyone, from people you follow, or just the accounts you mention in the post.
Take a break
Boundaries are crucial, and social media apps are designed to keep you scrolling for hours. Spending too much time on the Threads app? Go to your profile, tap on the two lines in the top right corner. Then select Account and Take a break. Here, you can choose how many consecutive minutes you’d like to scroll on the app before Threads nudges you to do something else for a bit.
Add a link on your profile
Maybe you’re an artist who wants to show off their portfolio? Or maybe you want to promote your other social media accounts? No matter the reason, it’s simple to add a clickable link to your bio on Threads. Just visit your profile and choose Edit profile. Add the website you’d like to the Link section and tap Done.
Missing features on threads
As much as we are enjoying Threads, there are a few features that are noticeably not there. These features are: A “Following” feed, support for GIFs, full web version support, editing posts, inline translation, hashtags, and a way to see your own liked posts.
In conclusion, Threads has both its benefits and its disadvantages. But it is definitely here to stay, so we urge you to join, get to know the app, and follow us here of course.