Threads, Instagram’s new text-based app, is attracting brands, influencers, and social media users at a rapid pace. Unlike Twitter, Threads focuses on maintaining close connections and conversations with friends and followers. Here’s everything brands and influencers should know about Threads:
Table of Contents
What Is Instagram Threads?
Threads is an app developed by Instagram to facilitate text updates and public conversations. Since its launch on July 6, it has already amassed 30 million users, including popular brands like Netflix and celebrities like Jennifer Lopez. Prominent influencers like MrBeast have also joined the platform swiftly.
According to Instagram, Threads aims to provide a positive space for sharing real-time updates, expressing ideas, and fostering connections among creators and casual users.
Twitter Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, highlighted the “volatility” and “unpredictability” of Twitter under Elon Musk, which presented an opportunity for Threads to compete. While Threads shares similarities with Twitter in terms of layout and features, it places a stronger emphasis on personal and intimate connections.
Although Threads initially launched without features like hashtags, search, a following feed, and direct messaging offered by Twitter, Mosseri mentioned that these features are likely to be added in the future.
Post by @mosseriView on Threads
Brands and influencers need to note that Threads and Instagram now function as a single account. Therefore, deleting a Threads account would also delete the associated Instagram account.
Key Features:
- Posts can contain up to 500 characters, including photos, links, and videos up to 5 minutes in length.
- Users can like, comment on, share, and repost Threads.
- Account names and verifications from Instagram carry over to Threads.
- The app features a main feed with recommended content and posts from followed accounts.
- Privacy controls allow users to filter specific words and restrict who can mention them or reply to their posts.
- Accessibility features include screen reader support and AI-generated image descriptions.
- Thread posts can be shared as Instagram Stories.
Benefits
- Instagram integration: Threads seamlessly integrates with Instagram, allowing users to transfer their account information and follower list effortlessly.
- Security: Threads offer privacy settings to control interactions and the option to filter out certain words from replies. Since the app is integrated with Instagram, it enforces Instagram’s Community Guidelines on content and interactions. This feature can provide brands and creators with a greater sense of safety and confidence in their online presence while reducing harassment.
- Reduced volatility compared to Twitter: Twitter’s restrictions and paywalls for accessing sought-after features have led to user dissatisfaction, as reported by Mashable. Threads, with its lower volatility, may motivate brands to consider it as an alternative advertising platform to Twitter.
How Brands & Influencers Can Use Threads
Brands and influencers can leverage Threads in several ways to establish more personal connections with their followers:
- “Close Friends” lists: Create customized lists on Threads to share exclusive content with select groups of followers, fostering a sense of community and exclusivity.
- Behind-the-scenes content: Share behind-the-scenes content with followers, such as sneak peeks of upcoming products or events, to generate buzz and excitement.
- Collaborations with influencers: Utilize Threads to collaborate with like-minded influencers, enhancing exposure and driving traffic to the main Instagram profile.
- Q&As: Host Q&A sessions to engage with followers and answer their questions. Encourage followers to participate by posing questions for them to answer in the replies.
- Personal connections: Showcase the personality behind the brand or influencer. For example, brands like Prime Video have shared memes about joining the new app.
- Throwbacks: Share photos from the brand or creator’s history, fostering nostalgia and connection.
How To Join
To join Threads, simply log in using your Instagram account. Your Instagram username will transfer to Threads, and you have the option to customize your profile specifically for the app. If you’re under the age of 16 or 18 in certain countries, your account will default to private automatically. Users above these age limits can choose between setting their accounts to public or private.
Once your account is created, you can follow the same people from your Instagram account and discover new accounts with similar interests to follow. You can also start sharing your Thread posts and interact with others on the app through likes, replies, reposts, and shares.
Threads feature five sections along the bottom panel: home page, search bar, post button, activity window, and profile page. The home page displays the main feed from accounts you follow and recommended accounts. Use the search bar to explore and find new accounts. The post button allows you to create Thread posts, and the activity window notifies you of replies and mentions. Finally, the profile page enables you to edit account information and view all your posts and replies.
In summary, Threads can serve as a valuable tool for brands and influencers seeking to establish personalized and authentic connections with their followers.
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