Created by Meta and connected to your Instagram account, Threads is a new contender in the realm of social media platforms, providing an alternative to Twitter.
The app, which is similar to Twitter in many ways, allows users to post text, photos, and videos that are only visible to their followers. It also features a private messaging system and a live chat function.
Threads was launched on Thursday, July 6th, and quickly became a hit with users. By the end of the day, it had been downloaded over 30 million times.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said that Threads is designed to be a “more personal and intimate” way for people to connect with their friends and family. He believes that the app can fill a void in the social media landscape, as there is currently no major platform that focuses on close relationships.
It remains to be seen whether Threads will be able to challenge Twitter’s dominance in the microblogging space. However, its early success suggests that it has the potential to be a major player in the social media market.
We’re going to be running through some of the key differences between Threads and Twitter to see if it’s really worth the hype.
Threads require an Instagram account
Threads is a Meta app as indicated earlier, one of the companies that also developed Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
To sign up for Threads, you will need to have an Instagram account. Once you have an Instagram account, you can import important information from Instagram to Threads, such as your verification, bio, and friends.
However, Twitter only requires an email address or phone number to sign up, and is not intrinsically linked to other social media platforms.
Threads doesn’t have a desktop app
Threads is exclusively accessible through Android and iOS devices as an app, limiting its availability to smartphones and tablets. Unfortunately, this implies that desktop PCs and laptops are incompatible with Threads, which can pose a significant challenge for individuals who primarily rely on these devices for their social media usage.
On the other hand, Twitter doesn’t have this restriction, accessible as both an app (on Android and iOS) and through a web browser, so you can still log into the platform on Mac and PC.
Threads does not support GIFs or direct messages
At its initial release, Threads lacks several essential features, notably direct messaging, preventing users from engaging in private conversations. It is reasonable to assume that Meta is actively working to incorporate this functionality, considering its availability on Instagram.
Currently, Threads lacks GIF support for creating new posts. At present, you can only utilize text, images, and videos in your posts. It is anticipated that Meta will eventually incorporate this feature into the platform, but its absence underscores the platform’s limited functionality compared to Twitter.
Twitter has a higher word count – if you’re verified
Meta has officially announced that Threads will impose a maximum character limit of 500 for posts. Although it remains uncertain whether verified users will enjoy an extended character allowance, we can confirm that verified Instagram users will receive automatic verification on Threads.
Twitter has caused quite a stir with its recent introduction of Twitter Blue, a subscription service that demands a monthly payment for access to the esteemed Blue Tick verification. Unverified users are limited to 280 characters for their posts, whereas verified accounts enjoy the freedom to include up to 25,000 characters per post.
Threads has launched without ads
Threads initially debuted without advertisements for its user base. However, considering its early stage of development, it is reasonable to anticipate that this ad-free experience will not be sustained for long. Meta has acknowledged the possibility of introducing ads to the platform in the future, aligning with the presence of advertisements observed on other applications such as Facebook and Instagram.
Twitter does feature apps on its platform in different formats. Ads on Twitter appear with a ‘Promoted’ icon and can be Promoted Ads, Follower Ads or Trend Takeover.
Twitter has a Trending feature
Threads currently lacks any features for viewing trending topics or users, making it a rather minimalistic app. Upon signing up, you will encounter the familiar scrolling experience found in most social media applications, accompanied by a standard search bar.
Twitter is well known for its Trending feature, which displays popular topics in your area and across the world. Finding new users is made pretty easy thanks to this feature, but it’s expected that Threads will refine its app over its lifetime to make searching for new topics and users easier.
FAQs about Threads app
Question 1: What is Threads app?
Answer: Threads is a social media app from Meta that allows users to connect with their close friends and family in a more personal and intimate way. It is similar to Twitter in many ways, but it is designed to be a more private and focused experience.
Question 2: How do I create a Threads account?
Answer: To create a Threads account, you will need to have an Instagram account. Once you have an Instagram account, you can download the Threads app and sign in using your Instagram credentials.
Question 3: How do I add friends on Threads?
Answer: You can add friends to Threads by finding them in your Instagram contacts or by entering their username.
Question 4: How do I send a message on Threads?
Answer: Currently, the Threads app does not allow private message sending and it will definitely be incorporated soon.
Question 5: How do I post a story on Threads?
Answer: To post a story on Threads, open the Threads app and tap the New Story button. Then, record a video or take a photo and add a caption.
Question 6: How do I make my Threads account private?
Answer: To make your Threads account private, open the Threads app and tap your profile picture in the bottom left corner. Then, tap Settings and toggle the Private Profile switch to the On position.
Question 7: How do I delete my Threads account?
Answer: To delete your Threads account, open the Threads app and tap your profile picture in the bottom left corner. Then, tap Settings and tap Deactivate Account. Enter your password and tap Deactivate.
Question 8: Is Threads available on all devices?
Answer: Threads is currently available on iOS and Android devices.
Question 9: What are the benefits of using Threads?
Answer: Threads offers a number of benefits over other social media platforms, including:
Privacy: Threads is designed to be a more private and focused experience than other social media platforms. Your Threads posts are only visible to your friends, unless you choose to make them public.
Question 10: What are the drawbacks of using Threads?
Answer: Threads also has a few drawbacks, including:
Lack of features: Threads is a very basic app with limited features. This may be a drawback for people who are looking for a social media platform with more features and functionality.
Limited audience: Threads is only available to people who have an Instagram account. This may limit the app’s appeal to people who do not use Instagram.