How to use Threads

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You must have an Instagram account to join Threads, as the platform requires you to use your Instagram login credentials to sign in. Once you launch your account, your Instagram username will be ported over, as well as your bio, profile picture and any listed website, but you can create a customizable profile.

You can easily follow the same accounts you already follow on Instagram with a few clicks and port your following over rather than start from scratch on Threads. When you create a post or "Thread," you can select who's able to view it, which may be the entire world or your followers. 

As far as features, Twitter and Instagram users may be happy to learn that you have the ability to unfollow, report, block or restrict a profile. Access it using the three dots drop-down menu, and anyone you've blocked on Instagram will automatically be blocked on Threads. Other features include screen reader support and AI-generated image descriptions. At this time there is no direct messaging component to the app.

Meta says it's working to make Threads compatible and integrative with other apps that support the ActivityPub protocol, such as WordPress and Mastodon. In the future, the company ideally wants Threads posts to be accessible for anyone with a compatible app, whether you have a Threads account or not.

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How to Sign In to Threads

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If you're ready to get started, here's a quick guide to signing in. To get started, here's a quick guide to the new app. First, download the Threads app from the App Store or Google Play. You can sign in with your Instagram credentials and keep your username, followers, and verification status. To do this, open the Threads app, select "Sign in with Instagram," and enter your Instagram username and password. You'll then be directed to the Thread's home screen. Keep in mind the only way to delete your Threads account is to also delete the instagram account that is associated.

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How to Navigate the App 

Once your account is set up, you will be brought to your Threads feed where you can see posts from the people you follow, as well as random users you don't follow. 

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Look at the bottom of your screen and you will see a row of icons that can help you navigate the app. From left to right: 

• The house icon brings you to your feed.
• The magnifying glass icon takes you to a search page where you can type in the user names of people you wish to follow. 
• The pen-and-paper icon lets you create a new thread. 
• The heart icon shows your account activity. It displays who followed you, who replied to your thread, who mentioned you in their posts, and which users are verified. 
• The human figure icon takes you to your Threads profile where you can see your activity.
• On any Thread, whether it’s yours or someone else’s, you can click the paper plane icon underneath it and share it directly to your Instagram story or feed.

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Threads vs. Twitter

With Threads' built-in connection to Instagram, it can make it much easier to gain users within a short period of time. Though Musk changed Twitter's cap to 10,000 posts a day for verified users, 1,000 per day for unverified and 500 for new unverified users, the move could result in the loss of subscribers -- and advertisers.

However, the new Threads platform does have its detractors as well. Forrester analyst Mike Proulx asserts that Meta is taking advantage of the current wave of dissatisfaction with Twitter and that the company unsuccessfully launched and shut down Threads before.

"While credit should be given to Meta's steadfast test and learn strategy, the company doesn't exactly have a successful track record launching standalone apps outside its core family," Proulx said in a statement pointing to apps like Slingshot and IGTV.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Meta's Threads?

A1: Meta's Threads is a messaging app that allows you to share text, photos, and videos with your close friends. It rolled out in more than 100 countries on Thursday, and you can sign in with your Instagram credentials and keep your username, followers, and verification status.

Q2: What does a thread look like?

A2: On Threads, you can post updates that are up to 500 characters. You can also post photos and videos with your updates.

Q3: How do I sign in to Threads?

A3: You can sign in with your Instagram credentials and keep your username, followers, and verification status.

Q4: How can I follow friends and brands on Threads?

A4: You can follow friends and brands on Threads by searching for their username or profile in the search bar. Once you follow them, you will be able to see their updates in your inbox.

Q5: How do I post on Threads?

A5: You can post updates that are up to 500 characters on Threads. You can also post photos and videos with your updates. You can also use the hashtag feature to add keywords to your posts.

Q6: What are some of the features of Threads?

A6: Threads has several features, including the ability to post updates that are up to 500 characters, post photos and videos with your updates, follow friends and brands on Threads, and use the hashtag feature to add keywords to your posts. You are also able to post Threads directly to your Instagram story and feed.

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