In the wake of Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022, many users have explored a range of alternatives to the traditional platform. New entrants like Mastodon, Bluesky, Spill, and T2 have emerged, but one of the most notable contenders is Meta’s Threads app.

What is Threads and How Do You Sign Up?

Threads is Meta's answer to Twitter, focusing on text-based interactions. Users can easily set up an account by logging in through their existing Instagram profiles. This seamless integration allows for immediate connectivity with followers and friends from Instagram.

How is Threads Different from Twitter?

One of the standout features of Threads is the absence of paid tiers and advertisements, at least for now. Moreover, verification marks from Instagram are automatically transferred, which continues to add credibility to user accounts. Unlike Twitter, Threads currently lacks functionalities such as long-form videos, direct messaging, or live audio sessions.

Despite its official launch over a year ago, Threads remains a work in progress, continuing to evolve as it learns from user feedback and competitor offerings.

How to Use Threads?

Available on both iOS and Android in over 100 countries, Threads faced initial privacy concerns that kept it out of the EU until December 2023. The launch also included a unique feature that allows users to browse Threads without a registered account, although this limited experience does not permit posting or interacting with content.

When you log into Threads via Instagram, your profile information such as username and block list transfers automatically, making setup a breeze.

User Growth and Popularity

As of November 2024, Threads boasts an impressive 275 million monthly active users. The app has experienced rapid growth, hitting 10 million sign-ups within hours and 100 million within just five days of its launch, marking it as a powerful player in the social media landscape.

Posting Limitations and Features

Each post on Threads has a character limit of 500, supporting multimedia elements like images, videos, and GIFs—up to ten media items per post. To combat spam, Threads has recently introduced rate limits for viewing posts.

Web Accessibility

Users can also access Threads through its website, Threads.net, enabling both viewing and posting capabilities directly from a browser.

Account Management

Deleting or deactivating your Threads account has been a point of contention. Until the end of 2023, users had to delete their linked Instagram accounts to remove their Threads profiles. Meta retains data for 30 days post-deletion, during which users can change their minds and cancel the deletion process.

Personalizing Your Threads Experience

Threads offers features that enhance user experience, including the ability to pin favorite search terms and tags. Recently, it introduced “Starter Packs”—a creative way to follow curated accounts based on themes, inspired by rival Bluesky.

Direct Messaging: Not Yet Available!

Currently, the platform does not facilitate direct messaging, as Instagram's head Adam Mosseri stated that the intention is to avoid creating yet another messaging inbox. Instead, users can share threads with other platforms.

API and Third-Party Integrations

As of June 2024, Threads rolled out a public API for developers, allowing limited tools for posting and engagement insights, but not for deleting posts. Current restrictions on data access mean there are no third-party clients available yet.

Fediverse Integration: A Step Towards Openness

In a bold move towards interoperability, Threads began experimenting with sharing posts to the fediverse in 2024. Users have the option to share Threads content with compatible networks such as Mastodon, and interactions have expanded, allowing fediverse users to engage with Threads posts.

Current Limitations of Threads

While Threads has made significant strides, there are several notable missing features: - Complete Fediverse integration - Scheduled posts (coming soon) - Direct messaging - Support for lists and other third-party clients

Threads’ Data Collection Practices

Since Threads accounts use existing Instagram logins, Meta collects a variety of user data, raising privacy concerns. Meta has reiterated that the data collection practices are consistent with those of their other social applications.

Conclusion

Since its launch, Threads has quickly established itself as a formidable alternative in the social media realm, despite some limitations. With ongoing updates and enhancements, it is positioning itself for potential growth and expansion in the competitive landscape. Stay tuned for even more developments!