What You Need To Know About Threads.
It’s finally happened. Three months ago, Meta announced it was coming. And, on Thursday July 6, 2023, Meta unveiled their version of a text-based platform, the new rival to Twitter.
When the launch happened, new users didn’t enter a sparse environment, but rather a celebrity and creator-filled space. Within 18 hours of launch, 30 million new users had amassed. As of writing this on Friday, July 7, it’s now closer to 55+ million users, with Threads as the top free app on Apple’s App Store and a top trending topic on Twitter.
Here is everything we know:
Threads is a new app from the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp – the main goal per Meta is that it is a place where people can have real-time conversations.
The platform looks a lot like Twitter, with a feed of largely text-based posts — although users can also post photos and videos. It is still early – but the lingo for describing the functions within Threads is taking shape – it doesn’t hurt when Meta provides a Threads dictionary to help.
So, to clarify:
Threads will have a 500-character limit.
Each discussion is called a thread – so you post a thread in the app
A post is an individual element within a thread (though some people are also referring to this as ‘threading’ or ‘stitching’)
A shared thread is called a repost – not a ‘re-thread’ or some other variation
Sharing someone else’s post is a quote thread
Offers the ability to share posts from Threads directly to Instagram Stories.
How to create an account:
Thread accounts can be listed as public or private. Note: Verified Instagram accounts are automatically verified on Threads as well.
Users sign up through their Instagram accounts and keep the same username, password and account name, although they can edit their bio to be unique to Threads. Users can also import the list of accounts they follow directly from Instagram, making it super easy to get up and running on the app.
But can you leave Threads?
While users can temporarily deactivate their profiles via the settings section on the app, the fine print says that “your Threads profile can only be deleted by deleting your Instagram account.” Some users have also raised concerns about the amount of data that the Threads, like Instagram, can collect about users, including location, contacts, search history, browsing history, contact info and more, according to the Apple App Store.
Threads also include several features that make it a more engaging platform than Instagram's main app. Threads also includes a "Quick Share" feature that allows users to share photos and videos from their camera roll with their Close Friends list with just a few taps.
Threads allows users to post longer-form content in a series of tweets, which are only visible to their followers. This makes Threads a more intimate platform than Twitter, where all tweets are public by default. Threads also includes features for sharing photos and videos, polls, and questions.
Does my brand or small business need to be on Threads?
Why should brands consider using Threads? Brands should consider using Threads to connect with their most engaged followers on a more personal level. Threads can be a good way to share behind-the-scenes content, exclusive offers, and other information you don't regularly share with a broader audience. Threads can also be used to run contests and giveaways or collect customer feedback. Threads offers a number of advantages for brands, including:
The ability to connect with a more intimate audience: Threads is a great way for brands to connect with their most engaged followers on a more personal level.
The ability to share longer-form content: Threads allows brands to share more in-depth content with their audience, which can help to build trust and credibility.
The ability to drive traffic to other channels: Threads can be used to promote other channels, such as a brand's website or blog.
Once on Threads, Brands should focus on creating content that is:
Personal and relatable: Threads is a personal platform, so brands should focus on creating content that is relevant to their audience and that they can relate to.
Visually appealing: Threads allows users to share photos and videos, so brands should make sure their content is visually appealing.
Engaging: Brands should use polls, questions, and other interactive features to keep users engaged with their content.
And from a user behavior standpoint, brands can build relationships with their followers on Threads by:
Responding to comments and questions: When users take the time to comment on or question a brand's content, it's important to respond promptly and thoughtfully.
Sharing user-generated content: Brands can show their appreciation for their followers by sharing user-generated content on Threads.
Running contests and giveaways: Contests and giveaways are a great way to engage followers and drive traffic to a brand's Threads.
Overall, Threads is a new and innovative social media platform that offers a number of advantages for brands. If you're looking for a way to connect with your most engaged followers on a more personal level, Threads is worth considering.
If you’re looking for more social media and influencer marketing news worth using, be sure to check out more of my writing. My covering my favorite social media tools to use, like GoCharlie.ai. and more deep dives on specific topics on my blog.
