Threads and Instagram are two of the most popular social media platforms today. There has been a lot of buzz around the release of Threads, a text-based platform from Meta that aims to rival Twitter. But as a marketer, you must be familiar with the features of both Threads and Instagram, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. So this article will focus on Threads’ distinctive features and how they differ from Instagram’s (Threads vs Instagram).
Threads vs. Instagram: Overview
Instagram Threads allows users to share text messages of up to 500 characters, images, videos of up to five minutes in length, and links. Threads, like Twitter, are displayed in the main feed, and users can like, repost, and reply to each update. Threads’ design is clean and simple, with an emphasis on text-based content. Some of the features that may be added to the app in the future include voice notes, photo and video tagging, and post reactions.
Threads vs. Instagram: How is Threads Different from Instagram
Text-based focus:
Threads is primarily a text-based platform, with posts limited to 500 characters. In comparison, Instagram is primarily a visual platform for sharing photos and videos.
Content Sharing:
Threads users can share links and videos up to 5 minutes long, whereas Instagram has more restrictive video length limits and does not support link sharing in posts.
Audience Control:
Threads provides tools to facilitate positive, productive conversations and gives users more control over their audience. Users have the ability to block, restrict, and report unauthorized accounts, and any account that is blocked on Instagram is also blocked on Threads.
Threads’ Algorithm and Recommendations:
For the time being, Threads uses an algorithm that ‘lightly’ ranks posts while also attempting to highlight recommendations from accounts that users do not follow.
Text vs. Imagery vs. Video:
There’s a lot more to these two apps than being text-based social media apps and multimedia-based social media apps. Both clearly dabble in the other’s domain, with Instagram captions allowing for lengthy diatribes and Threads supporting images and video.
But, while it can’t be so easily distilled, that is ultimately… the vibe. Threads is the place to go for text-based threads that can be supplemented with imagery. Head to Instagram, on the other hand, to get a visual update from the people you follow, slightly guided by captions.
Instagram’s Customization Is More Advanced
Instagram has the upper hand when it comes to deciding who sees your posts and what posts you want to see. It allows you to stick with the default feed, only see updates from people you follow, and only see posts from people you follow. Instagram does, admittedly, dabble in serving you what can often feel like spam in the default feed.
Threads Floods You With Spammy Posts
If a celebrity is popular on Threads, you’ll probably see them in your feed right now. Threads is likely to gain more Instagram-like functionality in the future, but for now, it does not cater to you personally.
Threads Does Not Have Stories or Reels
This is a clear and factual distinction, as well as another example of Instagram’s emphasis on visual content. Instagram Stories, which are time-limited video and image updates at the top of your feed, and TikTok-like Reels, which are short-form video content, are available. Threads currently does not provide anything of the sort, and it remains to be seen if it will follow Twitter’s lead and experiment with something akin to Moments.
Threads Does Not Have a Search Function.
This appears to be a big deal and a feature you’re probably overlooking on most other social media platforms right now. If you use Threads, you may not have used it enough to notice its absence, but when you do, its absence will irritate you.
A search function is missing. There is no way to search for a specific word or topic to read about. You can only look for people to follow. This must be added as soon as possible.
Threads vs. Instagram: How to Use Instagram Threads Differently
Take Advantage of the Text-Based Nature:
Concentrate on creating text-based content that is engaging, informative, and concise for your target audience. Use the 500-character limit to share useful insights, tips, or updates that would be ineffective on a visual platform like Instagram.
Share Longer Videos and Links:
Use Threads’ ability to share links and longer videos to provide your audience with additional resources, information, or entertainment. This can help drive traffic to your website or demonstrate your brand’s expertise in greater depth.
Engage in Real-Time Conversations:
Threads is intended for real-time updates and public discussions. Use this feature to interact with your audience, answer questions, and join discussions about your industry or brand.
Experiment With Different Content Formats:
Because Threads is a new platform, it’s a great time to experiment with different content formats and strategies to see what works best for your audience. Keep an eye on engagement metrics and adjust your approach as needed.
1`N.B: Threads provides marketers with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with their target audience via text-based content. Understanding the differences between Threads and Instagram allows you to develop a tailored strategy that effectively leverages the strengths of each platform. To make the most of this new platform, embrace the text-based nature of Threads, share valuable links and longer videos, engage in real-time conversations, and experiment with content formats.
What Is the Threads App on Instagram and How Does It Work?
Threads by Instagram is a text-based conversation app that debuted on July 5, 2023.
At first glance, the Threads experience appears to be similar to Twitter. Both platforms provide a feed of text-based posts that allow users to keep up with current events and start their own conversations.
When you join Threads, your feed will include accounts you follow as well as suggested content from creators the Threads algorithm believes you will enjoy.
Threads is a great way to communicate with your network and the rest of the world, with up to 500 characters per thread and the ability to add photos, videos, and links.
If the name “Threads” sounds familiar, it should. In 2019, Instagram introduced Threads, which was billed as a “camera-first messaging app that helps you stay connected to your close friends.” Threads 2023 will completely replace this product.
How to Get Started With Instagram Threads
Threads is part of the Meta family of social media networks, so the sign-up process is relatively simple. Threads can be used in just six steps.
#1. Install the App
Search for “Threads, an Instagram app” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download and install the correct app. Threads is completely free to use.
#2. Register for an Account
Threads is linked to your existing Instagram account, so you don’t have to sign up from scratch, unlike other apps. Simply select your username at the bottom of the welcome screen.
If you manage multiple Instagram accounts, each can be linked to its own Threads account. To switch between accounts, simply click Switch Accounts at the bottom of the screen.
#3. Complete Your Profile
The Profile screen will appear next. You can either enter new information or import your current Instagram bio.
#4. Configure Your Privacy Settings
On this screen, you can choose between two privacy settings:
- The Public Profile: Your content can be seen, shared, and interacted with by anyone on or off Threads.
- The Private Profile: Only your approved followers will be able to view and interact with your content.
#5. Import Your Existing Accounts
Threads is so closely linked to Instagram that you’ll be able to auto-follow the accounts you already follow on Instagram.
You can follow specific users or click “Follow all” to import your entire follower list.
#6. Accept the Terms of Service
You’ll be asked to accept three pieces of information on the final screen:
- Threads is powered by Instagram, and data from both apps will be used to customize your ads.
- Threads will eventually integrate with the fediverse, a network of independently hosted but interconnected web publishing servers.
- You agree to Meta’s Terms and Policies by joining Threads. Prior to joining, you can review the specific policy by clicking each link.
When you’re ready, click Join Threads, and you’re done!
7 Things You Should Know About Threads
#1. Your Target Audience Is Already Present
Threads reached 100 million users in less than a week, making it the fastest-growing app in history.
Your target audience is most likely among the millions of new users flooding the gates, so don’t pass up an opportunity to meet them where they are!
#2. You Are Free to Write Whatever You Want
Each thread can be up to 500 characters long, which is nearly double the 280-character limit on Twitter.
Longer posts allow you to express a complete thought or tell a more detailed story without forcing your readers to read multiple posts to get all of the information.
#3. It Is Simple to Interact With Others
Interacting with other Threads users is quick and simple. If you’re a regular Instagram user, you’ll recognize three of the four icons at the bottom of each thread:
- To like the post, click the heart.
- A quote bubble allows you to respond directly to the thread. (Tapping this icon on Instagram brings up the comment section.)
- A button for reposting. By tapping this, you can either directly repost the thread to your Threads profile or quote the thread while adding your own thoughts.
- To share the post on another platform, make a paper airplane. Tap to add the thread to your Instagram Story or feed, tweet it, copy the link, or share it in another way.
#4. Easily Cross-Post From Threads to Instagram
Threads is basically Instagram’s new best friend, so Meta has made it super simple to share content between the two networks.
You can add any public thread or your own post to your Instagram Story.
Instagram will launch automatically if you click the paper airplane at the bottom of the thread and select Add to Story. You can then edit the post or share it directly with your followers.
However, you will not be able to edit the content of the thread you are resharing, as you would an Instagram post shared to your Story.
Menwhile, you can change the background of your Story, as well as add stickers or gifs, but you cannot draw over or otherwise modify the original post.
#5. You Will Be Verified on Threads if You Are Verified on Instagram
Managers of social media can exhale a sigh of relief. If you’re already verified on Instagram, you’ll be verified on Threads as well. There’s no need to jump through hoops again to get that little blue checkmark!
When a verified Instagram account creates an account on Threads, the blue checkmark appears next to its username automatically.
#6. Avoid Fake or Imitated Accounts
Are you unsure if you have the correct user on Threads? Before interacting with someone on Threads, you can use their Instagram profile to confirm their identity.
To verify that someone is who they say they are, go to their Instagram profile and click the Threads link below their username. This will take you directly to their Threads profile, where you can follow the user and feel secure in the knowledge that you’ve found the right person.
#7. Enjoy Scrolling Without Interruptions
The Threads app currently lacks advertising and monetization features, but this is expected to change in the near future. For the time being, enjoy uninterrupted scrolling!
Can I Join Threads if I Don’t Have an Instagram Account?
No. Threads requires that you have an Instagram account. You can view a user’s threads on the Threads website, but there is a timeline limit that requires you to download the Threads app to see more.
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Threads vs Instagram: References
