How To Use Threads. Most Popular Social Media App Of 2023?

Are you wondering about the most popular app of 2023? The social media realm is abuzz with the emergence of a potential platform that might dominate the online landscape. 

Brace yourself for Threads—an app recently launched by Meta, the corporation behind Facebook and Instagram. 

In a surprising twist, Threads has set its sights on rivaling Twitter and has already made quite an impact. In fact, within the first seven hours of its release, Threads managed to attract a staggering 10 million users, taking the world by storm.

Let’s explore in detail How to use Threads, delving into its features, advantages, and how it positions itself against Twitter.

Also, read Future of Social Media Marketing and AI Trends

Threads vs. Twitter: The Battle for Social Media Supremacy

Threads has emerged as a promising alternative to Twitter, capitalizing on the negative sentiment surrounding the latter. 

Twitter has faced criticism for issues like increased advertising, the proliferation of bot accounts, and the unchecked dissemination of objectionable content. 

Consequently, several alternatives to Twitter have surfaced, such as the decentralized messaging platform Mastodon and Bluesky, backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. 

However, none of these platforms have rivaled Twitter regarding user base or popularity.

Moreover, Twitter’s recent move to charge for verification has raised concerns. This has opened the possibility for fake accounts to pay for verification, compromising the credibility of the verification process. 

Twitter also limits the number of tweets users can access before requiring payment for expanded access. 

As a result, many users are seeking alternatives, feeling a sense of detachment from the platform.

Why is Threads Dominating the Social Media Landscape?

Threads aim to address these issues and capitalize on the disillusionment with Twitter. According to Mark Zuckerberg’s statement, the Threads app initially launched without advertisements, and its monetization plans are deferred until it reaches a billion users. 

Threads effectively reduces bot activity by requiring users to have an Instagram account. Furthermore, users can enjoy unlimited post-viewing, and verification from Instagram carries over to Threads at no extra cost. 

Notably, followers on Instagram automatically become followers on Threads, creating a seamless transition and generating user excitement.

Key Features of Threads: A Seamless Social Experience:

‘Threads’ has garnered unexpected attention by accomplishing something incredibly challenging for a new platform. It has created an environment that gives the impression that everyone is already there. 

When users sign up for Threads, their Instagram followers automatically join them, fostering enthusiasm and encouraging original content creation. 

All these factors contribute to the notion that Threads is a fresh start, a departure from the seemingly stagnant atmosphere of Twitter. 

This success can be attributed to the impeccable timing and adept marketing strategies, making Mark Zuckerberg the new hero of the people.

Moreover, Threads has masterfully instilled a sense of urgency among non-platform users. Users are ranked and assigned numbers based on their registration time, intensifying the feeling of competition. 

It is worth noting that it remains permanent once users receive their assigned number. Users scrambled to be among the first million, then the first ten million; undoubtedly, there is a scramble to be among the first hundred million.

During sign-up, users can choose to add people in advance, seemingly anticipating their arrival. This strategic move is geared towards early adoption and gaining an edge. 

Threads automatically add Instagram followers to the app if they have previously registered, further motivating users to create their accounts promptly to maximize automatic followers.

Threads’ design is aesthetically pleasing and aligned with expectations. Deliberate similarities to Twitter’s interface can be observed while incorporating some Instagram-like design elements. 

The name “Threads” is fitting, as it corresponds to the slang term for a string of messages in online discussions.

The Shortcomings of Threads: Missing Elements and Challenges:

Threads, like any software, are not without flaws. It lacks specific essential components, such as trending themes, which are crucial for a platform of this nature.

Twitter distinguishes itself by focusing on news, providing a space for staying informed about current affairs and engaging in discussions. 

In contrast, Instagram primarily showcases friends’ activities, although it has gradually evolved into a platform akin to TikTok.

One notable absence in Threads is direct messaging (DMs). Direct messaging is significant in most popular social media services, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. 

This omission may pose a challenge for journalists who rely on receiving messages from potential sources and businesses using social media messaging for customer support.

Users can see posts from accounts they don’t follow in the Threads feed, making it challenging to find content directly from chosen individuals or brands. Currently, there is no option to customize how the feed loads.

Just like Instagram, Threads does not display posts in chronological order. Instead, algorithms rank and present content to viewers, regardless of when it was posted.

Another notable absence is the lack of hashtag functionality, a fundamental feature found on Twitter. 

Hashtags enable users to discover trending content and posts related to specific themes quickly. Additionally, Threads lacks a search function for users to search for specific words or phrases.

Furthermore, Threads lacks a desktop website, limiting access to the service to specialized iOS or Android apps.

It is worth mentioning that Threads is currently unavailable in the European Union due to non-compliance with the EU’s strict data-sharing regulations. This means users would have to start from scratch, posing a significant inconvenience.

Switching to Threads may evoke a sense of loss for many Twitter users who have worked tirelessly to amass a substantial follower count over the years. 

A peculiar restriction imposed by Threads is that users cannot close their Threads accounts without closing their Instagram accounts. 

This condition raises questions about user autonomy and control, appearing excessive. 

Additionally, if Threads were to surpass Twitter and become the most popular social media platform, all primary social media app links would direct users to Meta-owned platforms. This bothers me. Does it bother you?

Want to learn how to write compelling posts on the new Threads App by Mark Zuckerberg? Read my StoryBrand Framework marketing guide that will have you writing better and gaining followers in no time.

Meta’s Ambitious Plans, Implications of Threads’ Success on Privacy and Data:

As Threads gains traction, concerns about privacy and data-sharing arise. Meta, known for profiling user behavior and selling user data to marketers, raises questions about trust and privacy. 

Particularly in the European Union (EU), where Threads is not available due to strict data protection laws, concerns about access to sensitive health data have been raised by governments.

While Threads presents a compelling alternative to its competitors, its long-term viability remains uncertain. The CEO’s statements suggest that user acquisition takes precedence over platform monetization. 

Given Meta’s history of monetizing user data, there are concerns about its goals and the consolidation of power.

However, redemption and second chances are worth considering. Or are they?

Suppose Meta can learn from past mistakes and genuinely prioritize user well-being. In that case, Threads has the potential to become a positive and user-centric social media platform. 

Ultimately, users have the power to shape these platforms, and responsible use of Threads can contribute to a more positive digital environment.

How To Use Threads? A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started:

To join Threads, search for “Threads, an Instagram app” in the App Store or Google Play on your smartphone. After downloading the app, launch it and choose the “Log in with Instagram” option at the bottom of the screen. 

You need to have an existing Instagram account to use Threads. You’ll be prompted to enter your Instagram credentials during the sign-in process. 

Once you log in, Threads will automatically transfer your Instagram username while allowing you to customize your profile.

One of Threads’ practical features is the ability to follow the same profiles you already follow on Instagram automatically. 

This eliminates the need to manually search for and follow your friends and followers on the Threads platform. 

However, you can choose which accounts you want to follow for better control over your relationships within the app.

Also, read Lead Generation Using Linkedin Guide For 2023

Navigating Threads: Exploring the App’s Features and Interface:

Tap the pen-and-paper icon in the navigation bar’s center to start a thread. This allows you to create a post with a character limit of 500. 

You can add photos, videos, or GIFs to enhance your post by tapping the paper clip button below the text.

• House Icon: This takes you to your feed, where you can view posts from users you follow.
• Magnifying Glass Icon: Allows you to search for specific usernames and accounts to follow.
• Pen-and-Paper Icon: This enables you to create a new thread, initiate a conversation, or share a post.
• Heart Icon: This shows your account activity, including followers, thread replies, mentions, and verified users.
• Human Figure Icon: This takes you to your Threads profile, where you can track your activity within the app.

Engaging with other users is straightforward. By visiting a user’s profile and opening one of their threads, you’ll find four icons below the text:

• Heart Icon: Like the thread.
• Dialog Box Icon: Reply directly to the thread.
• Reverse Symbol Icon: Repost the thread to your feed with the option to include a quote.
• Paper Plane Icon: Share the thread to your Instagram story or feed, copy the link, or share it through other social media platforms.

The same icons can be used to interact with specific responses within a thread. You can access your profile and adjust your privacy settings by selecting the human figure icon. 

The “Edit profile” button lets you choose between a public or private profile.

‘Threads’ includes a helpful “Take a break” feature, which reminds users to take breaks at regular intervals. Access this feature by tapping the two-line icon in your account settings.

‘Threads’ primarily revolves around posting text-based messages known as “threads” with a 500-character limit. To specifically identify a user within a thread, use the “@” sign followed by their username. 

Users can limit comments on their threads to followers or those tagged in the post. Additionally, you can embed images or videos into a thread to enhance the discussion.

Also, read How To Leverage AI for Lead Generation?

Conclusion with “How to Use Threads”

‘Threads’ has quickly become the most popular social media app of 2023. We hope this article has provided valuable insights into How to use Threads? 

‘Threads’ offers seamless integration with Instagram and innovative features. To join Threads, download the app, log in with your Instagram account, and enjoy a personalized social media experience. 

However, it’s crucial to remain mindful of privacy and data-sharing concerns as the app evolves under Meta’s ambitious plans. Share your thoughts, experiences about Threads in the comments below.

FAQs

What is ‘Threads’ application?

Threads is a popular social media app launched by Meta that focuses on private messaging and content sharing with close friends.

What makes Threads different from other social media platforms?

Threads emphasize privacy, close friendships, and seamless integration with Instagram, providing a more intimate social experience.

Why Is “Threads” unavailable in the European Union (EU)?

“Threads” is unavailable in the European Union (EU) due to non-compliance with the region’s strict data protection regulations, raising concerns about privacy and data sharing practices.