What is Instagram Threads and how does it work?

Introducing Threads: Meta’s New Microblogging App

Have you heard of Threads? It’s the latest app from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Developed by the Instagram team, Threads aims to offer a unique microblogging experience that sets it apart from its competitors.

What is Threads?

Threads is a mobile app designed for sharing text updates and participating in public conversations. With a recent revamp and relaunch, it aims to fill the gap in the market for a microblogging social network that provides an alternative to Twitter.

What does Threads offer?

Threads allows users to post messages up to 500 characters in length, a significant increase compared to Twitter’s 280 characters (unless you’re a Twitter Blue subscriber). You can enhance your posts by including photos, videos up to five minutes long, and web links.

How does Threads work?

Getting started with Threads is easy. Simply download the app and sign in using your existing Instagram account. Your username and verification status will carry over to your Threads account, allowing for a seamless transition.

You can choose to automatically follow the same accounts you follow on Instagram or explore and add new accounts within the Threads app. Your feed will consist of posts from accounts you follow as well as recommended content. You can engage with other users by replying to, reposting, or quoting their posts, much like in other similar apps.

Notable Users on Threads

While Threads is still gaining traction, many early adopters have already joined the platform. You’ll find familiar names like Shakira, F1 driver Lando Norris, NBA player Seth Curry, soccer star Kingsley Coman, and even the fiery chef Gordon Ramsay.

The Future of Threads

Threads has ambitious plans to become compatible with ActivityPub, a decentralized social networking protocol. This compatibility would allow Threads users to interact with accounts on different social media platforms, offering a unique and interconnected experience.

Privacy and Safety Measures

Threads incorporates several features to ensure user safety and privacy. Users have control over who can reply to their posts or mention them. Additionally, a word filter allows users to avoid posts containing specific words. Accounts blocked on Instagram are automatically blocked on Threads as well. Meta’s extensive investment in enforcing community guidelines on Instagram will be extended to Threads, fostering positive and productive conversations.

Does Threads respect privacy?

Well, it’s an app owned by Meta, but make of that what you will. However, there does seem to be a focus on privacy from the outset. Anyone under 18, or under 16 in some countries, is automatically set up with a private profile when they first sign in. They can then approve users on Threads who want to follow them, just like you can on Instagram. And many of the same privacy features that appear on Instagram, such as the ability to block or report other users, are included in Threads.

Getting Threads

Threads is being rolled out in more than 100 countries around the world as of 6 July 2023. It’s currently available for iOS and Android and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.