Threads is a microblogging social network, created by the company Meta and developed by Instagram’s own team. Its function is designed to publish short messages and promote marketing on social networks, as an alternative to X (Twitter), although taking advantage of Instagram’s user base.
Threads: Instagram’s new bet for real-time conversations.
How does Threads work? Everything you need to know
Threads was born from the inspiration between Twitter and Mastodon, promising to offer the advantages of both. Meta’s goal is to take something that Instagram does best and expand it to text, creating a positive and creative space to express ideas. Threads is presented as the next big step in digital communication. Its design and functionalities allow experiences to be shared more quickly, betting on brevity and the essence of shared content.
Although it is a standalone app, it is linked to Instagram, so it does not require new user registrations. You can sign in with an Instagram account to share text updates and participate in public conversations. Your users have the ability to sign up in 3 ways: link Instagram account to Threads, use Threads without linking both accounts, and sign in without creating a profile.
The new Instagram app involves many possibilities of use and is available for all devices (IOs and Android). In addition, there are many companies that use Instagram for their communication, so for them it can be a plus point. For this reason, improvements have been added to attract users and keep them over time.
Key Threads functions to be aware of
1. It allows you to create publications with text, links, photos and videos up to 5 minutes long.
2. Limit of 500 characters in length in the messages.
3. Option to reply, share and quote messages from other users.
Advantages and disadvantages of Threads: Is it worth it?
Advantages
- Registration and access to Threads is very simple, since it allows using the same user name for both applications.
- Allows sharing a post directly in Instagram stories with better access to content → Better interaction between Instagram and Threads users.
- It has a notifications section where you can see replies, mentions or interactions with verified accounts.
- Direct link to the Instagram account from the Threads profile.
- Possibility of private profile.
- Option to manage mentions, mute users, censor likes and filter words.
- No advertising.
- It does not require payment of a membership fee to be verified.
- It is very aesthetic.
Disadvantages
- It is possible to delete the Threads profile, although this can only be done by also deleting the Instagram account.
- A single news wall → Only display content using algorithms.
- Posts from people you follow are mixed with posts from users you are not interested in.
- There are no trends.
- There are no direct messages.
- There are no drafts.
- You cannot filter the feed to view specific people.
- You cannot edit a photograph before publishing it.
- It is possible to delete the Threads profile, although this can only be done by also deleting the Instagram account.
Threads can be an interesting app for profiles that are part of Instagram and are looking for a more connected experience. Its advantages make it more appealing to users looking for a platform that is uncomplicated and focused on social interaction. The disadvantages may be frustrating for those looking for a more personalized or versatile experience.
Although there are many opinions of Threads, this may not be the best option if the profile/brand prefers a platform with more freedom of interaction and more control functions. Although it is a simple and aesthetic way to interact with followers.
How to leverage Threads to connect with your audience
Establishing a strong bond with the audience is essential for success in social media marketing. Threads wants to help brands connect more deeply with users through meaningful interactions.
To establish a relationship with followers, it is important to make use of different types of content to keep content interesting and engaging.
Maintaining a constant interaction with the audience to position yourself in relevant users will be essential if you want to grow in platforms. As Threads is linked to Instagram, its use also benefits the profile in both applications.
Having the option to regularly review target metrics, it is imperative that it is used to see what is working and adjust the strategy accordingly as needed. Many well-known platforms do not give this insight directly, but from a company profile. On Threads this will no longer be necessary and you will have the data at your fingertips in a simpler way.
The application is a current and modernized option of social networks for chatting. There are also some benefits that are very significant when it comes to convincing the audience of the content and presence on platforms like this. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Facilitates meaningful conversations through threaded comments, ensuring efficient and respectful communication.
- Provides users with the ability to tailor more personal conversations according to their needs and personalized, allowing for greater privacy and control.
- Greater control over conversations for public or private comments.
- Encourages more intimate discussions and creates a sense of exclusivity within the community.
- Filter and sort comments to prioritize important conversations and address any queries in a timely manner.
Threads vs. Twitter: Which is the best option for sharing ideas?
Threads has the same interface as X (Twitter) and has the same functions in its wall posts. However, there are certain differences that influence the sharing of ideas between the two applications that you should be aware of.
Number of characters
Threads allows users to write posts with 500 characters and X offers 280. Add that in X if you pay the premium subscription, you have the option to write tweets with 25,000 characters. Both options are important to consider. The function of the chat application is to share quick messages that allow interaction.
Advertising
Threads has no ads in its feed and X displays ads every four posts. X users have been unreceptive to this format, as it blocks the smooth and seamless reading of the app. On the other hand, different profiles may be attracted by the low ad load, but for brands it is an impractical option if you want to get hits.
Content trends
Threads does not have a list of trends in the social network and X does show a long list at the national level. This is very useful because it creates a list of interesting topics at the media level that other Internet users may want to know about. In Threads you can search for keywords in the search engine to find content of interest, although you do not know the last hour in the application.
Followers
Threads is an application linked to Instagram, so you have the same followers. In X if a user starts an account, it starts from zero followers. It is necessary to create a profile linked to Instagram to enjoy all the services offered by Threads.
Threads offers a seamless, ad-free experience with legacy Instagram followers, but without real-time trending and many other options that have yet to be enabled from Meta.
X is ideal for virality and immediacy, fast interaction thanks to its trends and greater advertising reach. Although it has more interruptions due to ads. The choice depends on whether media exposure (X) or organic interaction (Threads) is prioritized. For brands, X offers more opportunities for ad visibility and Threads is presented as a mostly organic channel.
Differences between Threads and Instagram: Which one should you use?
Threads
- Integration with Instagram ➤ Allows sharing posts directly on Instagram Stories, improving interaction between both platforms.
- Textual communication ➤ Focused on text messages. It is ideal for sharing thoughts, opinions and generating debates.
- Direct interaction ➤ Facilitates the management of mentions, replies and allows close communication with the audience.
- Ad-free ➤ Threads offers a cleaner ad-free experience for users.
- Visual approach ➤ Platform focused on visual content, ideal for showcasing branded products.
- Stories and Reels ➤ Tools for sharing short content, encouraging interaction and engagement.
- Segmented advertising ➤ Offers advanced targeting options for advertising campaigns, allowing to reach specific audiences that favor results.
- Integrated e-commerce ➤ Functionalities that facilitate direct sales from the platform.
Both platforms offer unique advantages. Integrating them into your digital marketing strategy can maximize the reach and effectiveness of your campaigns.
Threads vs. WhatsApp: Which application is better for chatting with friends?
Whatsapp is a traditional instant messaging application. It is mainly designed to allow private and group chats in a simple way. Although it also allows sharing stickers, voice notes, calls and video calls. Undoubtedly, it is an ideal option for direct and personal conversations.
Threads is designed to provide a comprehensive social networking experience, offering a variety of ways to use and share multimedia content. It simplifies the process of connecting with other social networking platforms.
Since its launch, it has been so successful that Meta had to take it to the next level to keep users interested. It has a variety of features: Creating private groups, efficient story sharing and ability to stay connected. Its integration with popular platforms gives users the convenience of accessing multiple networks within the same application. Threads also functions as a broader platform aimed at being a social network where ideas are posted for others to comment on.
Automatic status
Auto StatusThreads offers the “Auto Status” feature to automatically share your location, activity and battery level with selected contacts. This gives the option of real information about the user’s status and availability.
Instant communication
Threads focuses on instant communication, with an intuitive and agile interface. It allows you to send messages and photos quickly, ensuring smooth, real-time conversations with friends.
Constant connection
Threads is positioned as a platform to maintain a permanent connection with contacts. The app facilitates continuous communication, allowing users to share moments and experiences quickly and directly.Constant connection
Intimacy and closeness
By focusing on a small circle of close friends, Threads creates a more intimate and personal space for sharing. This highlights the difference from other social networks, where interaction tends to be broader and more public.
Experience focused on close friends
Threads is created for exclusive communication between close friends, offering a more intimate and focused experience.
Whatsapp is ideal for private and structured communication, while Threads offers a more dynamic and social experience within a close circle.
Threads for brands and creators: How to get the most out of them?
From the first moment of its launch, companies have been the majority of Threads users with the aim of following their followers wherever they go. Microblogging has different audiences than other apps and works in a different way at a strategic level, so it is essential to know it thoroughly to try to get a real benefit that generates profits.
When generating content and trying to show the brand’s presence, it is necessary to ask these questions to specify the objectives:
- Are there trends in which the brand could contribute?
- How can you develop what you want to convey in a short sentence?
- Are there any key messages that need to be reinforced?
- How to adapt visual communications into words?
- How to provide valuable content with little text?
- How to work and transmit storytelling correctly?
Text is a very powerful tool with a lot of potential. The possibility of using Instagram users when posting makes this social network very interesting. Therefore, you have to find a way to make an impact with a keyword and communicate clearly to keep the message in the public’s mind.
How to use Threads in your digital marketing strategy
- Take advantage of the Instagram integration.
- Create relatable and authentic content.
- Use automatic status to generate engagement.
- Interact directly with users.
- Use the Stories posting feature.
- Publish exclusive and personalized content.
- Creativity to increase presence in the absence of advertising.
- Manage presence consistently.
Threads is an ideal platform for creating relatable content, connecting directly with Instagram followers, and maintaining constant communication without advertising distractions. It’s essential to humanize your brand, foster engagement, and drive traffic across channels. To maximize its potential, it’s essential to complement your social media digital strategy with other platforms, with the goal of creating a complete digital marketing experience and becoming part of social media trends.
Is Threads the future of social media?
Since its launch, Threads has captured the attention of a multitude of people. It garnered 10 million downloads in the first seven hours and 100 million in five days. It is considered one of the most important milestones among social media and other technology records. This impact is due to the difficult time X (Twitter) is going through due to its management issues and Instagram’s large number of users (more than 1 billion).
Meta promises to update the platform to a more open model that will allow for interconnection with other platforms and the activation of a multitude of new features. This undoubtedly guarantees the future of the app and its continued growth as a social media trend.
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