There is no doubt that you have heard about threads by Instagram, which launched on July 6th around 3 pm WAT (my time) and has been raving about ever since.
But incase you are not aware, let's get you up to speed with Threads right now.
What is Threads by Instagram?
Threads is a new app, built by the Instagram team, for sharing text updates and joining public conversations. Like on Instagram, with Threads, you can follow and connect with friends and creators who share your interests.
Threads is the Instagram version of Twitter.
What do we know about threads so far?
I have been busy compiling some of the things I have noticed on the threads app and I have listed the ones I think are important for you to know.
For every thread, there is a 500-character limit
You can’t pin threads for now
If you want to delete your Threads account you have to delete your Instagram account but what you can do in the meantime is deactivate your Threads profile. Deactivation will mean your Threads profile, your posts and interactions with others' posts won't be visible.
You can’t edit threads right now.
You can set a time limit or take a break from threads
Picture quality and video quality are retained when you upload to the app.
The DM and Hashtag feature isn’t available yet on threads yet.
To switch profiles/accounts you have to logout from one profile and login to the other
You can share threads directly to your Instagram feed or stories. You can also share on Twitter and it has a unique thread background added to it.
There’s more:
You can hide offensive words as you do on Instagram and also hide like counts as you do on Instagram
To do this go to settings (this is at the top right of your profile) then tap on privacy and then keywords
You can select who can reply to your threads just like you do on Twitter
For now, all your notifications are in one place but it
You can upload up to 10 items at once on threads as you do with the Instagram carousel
If you are verified on Instagram you are automatically verified here also.
You can follow anyone on IG by going to their profile and tapping on the Instagram icon
Accounts that users have already blocked on Instagram will also be automatically blocked on Threads. Instagram’s community guidelines will be enforced on Threads, and users can report one another for violations.
You can hide unwanted comments on your threads
You can’t see quoted threads and you can’t see the amount of quotes on a thread. You can only see the number of replies and likes on a thread
How is Threads different from Twitter?
When comparing Threads with its rival Twitter, there are many similarities, but also many differences. The major differences are based on the features available on each app. Here's an image that shows the major differences between the two apps
Image Credit: BBC NEWS
How to start using Threads
Download the Threads app from your app store to create an account.
Before opening the Threads app, make sure you're logged into the right Instagram account if you are like me that manages so many accounts. You will be prompted to create an account here.
Please note that your username will carry over from the Instagram app and cannot be changed. This is probably to prevent people from grabbing popular usernames.
If you are already verified on Instagram, your verification tick will carry over to Threads.
After your account has been created, you will be asked if you want to follow your Instagram connections.
I recommend selecting yes at this stage to avoid having to manually search for people you want to follow.
If you have a link in your bio, threads automatically update that also.
How do you switch accounts on Threads?
A lot of people have been asking this question and it’s straightforward.
To switch accounts on Threads, follow these steps:
Log out of your current threads account.
Tap on ‘Switch accounts'.
Select the Instagram account associated with the new Threads account you want to switch to
There you go!
Some people say switching accounts has a limit, but I've never experienced it, so you might want to switch moderately.
I just filmed a video on threads and a walkthrough on how to get started and the things to note if you want more info. You should subscribe if you haven't already.