Comprehensive Guide to Instagram Threads
Did you know that over 1 billion messages are sent daily on Instagram? With the launch of Instagram Threads, that statistics is likely to explode. Threads is a new way to connect with your audience, reinvigorate your content marketing campaigns, and publish your brand materials such as logos and social media posts.
Threads offer a simplistic format, where the dynamics is a whole lot easier — and not to mention, fun!
This new platform is Instagram’s answer to text-based platforms such as X (Twitter). It’s designed for better communication and engagement compared to image-based Instagram. Talk about a more intimate and streamlined way to stay in touch with your closest friends and followers.
Let’s dive into what makes Instagram Threads the next big thing in social networking.
What are Instagram Threads?
Instagram Threads is the cool new kid on the block, launched by Meta (formerly Facebook) in October 2023. Designed for those who love quick, meaningful connections with their inner circle, Threads is poised to revolutionize how we share and interact online.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, described Threads as “a space for intimate conversations, enabling users to share their moments more authentically and privately.”
With a sleek 500-character limit, Threads is perfect for sharing snappy updates, thoughts, and stories. Imagine the close-knit vibe of Instagram Stories but in a more interactive and text-centric format.
Here’s a quick rundown of its features:
- Public or Private Accounts: Whether you want to shout out to the world or whisper to a select few, Threads has got you covered. Choose between public or private settings based on your comfort.
- Close Friends Feature: Remember the “Close Friends” feature on Instagram? Threads take it up a notch, allowing you to interact seamlessly with your besties.
- No Sponsored Ads Yet: Say goodbye to those pesky ads – at least for now. Threads offers a clean, ad-free experience, making your interactions pure and undistracted.
What are the benefits of using Instagram Threads?
Instagram Threads offers a host of benefits that make it an appealing platform for users and businesses alike.
From engaging with a young, dynamic audience to leveraging real-time updates, Threads is packed with features that can elevate your social media strategy.
Here are some key advantages of using Instagram Threads:
New, Untapped Platform
Threads is a new platform. That means the potential for being the first is big. You can be the trendsetter. You can be the first who earns a brand deal. You also have much time to improve, increase your following, and develop your personal branding.
This fresh platform is like a blank canvas, offering limitless opportunities for creativity and engagement. Being an early adopter gives you the edge to shape the conversation and stand out.
Platforms that are new and less saturated can yield higher engagement rates compared to more established networks .
Young, Engaged Audience
Instagram Threads is teeming with young, dynamic users who are always looking for the next big thing. That’s why TikTok is the source of most viral online content.
If your target audience is the vibrant youth, Threads is your playground. Engage with them where they are most active and enthusiastic. Crosspost and cross publish your viral YouTube shorts and Facebook posts.
Statista reports that 67% of Instagram users are aged between 18-34, highlighting the platform’s youthful demographic .
Audience from Instagram Are Already Here
No need to start from scratch. Your Instagram Reels followers are likely already exploring Threads. This seamless transition means you can leverage your existing community without the hassle of building a new one from the ground up.
According to some marketers, the ease of cross-promotion is a key advantage of using interconnected platforms.
Foster Engagement and Communication with Audience
Threads are all about genuine connections. It’s not long and heavily edited like business blogs and news sites. Instead it is very casual and short — like Twitter.
With its interactive features, you can foster meaningful conversations, getting real-time feedback and building stronger relationships with your audience.
Real-Time Updates
Stay in the moment with real-time updates. Whether it’s breaking news, event highlights, or spontaneous thoughts, Threads keeps you in the loop, allowing you to share and react instantly.
The immediacy of real-time updates ensures that your audience gets the freshest content, enhancing engagement and fostering a sense of connection.
For example, a local café can use Threads to announce a flash sale or a new menu item, immediately capturing the interest of their followers. Similarly, an influencer can share live updates from an event, making their followers feel like they’re part of the experience in real-time.
Easy Cross-Posting to Other Platforms
Threads and Instagram are besties. Cross-posting between the two platforms is a breeze, making it easier to maintain a consistent presence and reach a wider audience effortlessly. With just a few taps, you can share your Threads content directly to your Instagram feed or stories.
This seamless integration allows you to amplify your message across both platforms without extra effort, maximizing your reach and engagement. For example, a fashion brand can post a new collection preview on Threads and simultaneously share it on Instagram, ensuring their followers on both platforms are equally informed and excited.
Likewise, a travel blogger can share snippets of their journey on Threads and cross-post to Instagram, keeping their entire audience engaged and up-to-date.
How to Create a Profile on Instagram Threads
Ready to dive in? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started on Instagram Threads:
Step 1: Download the App
Head over to the App Store or Google Play Store and download Instagram Threads. Simply search for “Instagram Threads” and hit the download button.
Step 2: Log In with Instagram
Open the Threads app and log in using your Instagram credentials.
Step 3: Set Up Your Profile
Customize your profile by adding a bio and profile picture. Decide whether you want your account to be public or private. A public profile allows anyone to follow you, while a private profile lets you approve who follows you.
Things to Include in Your Profile:
- Profile Picture: Choose a clear and engaging image that represents you or your brand. This could be a professional headshot, a logo, or a creative avatar.
- Bio: Craft a compelling bio that tells visitors who you are and what you’re about. Include:
- Your Name or Brand Name: Make it easy for people to identify you.
- A Short Description: Summarize your interests, profession, or what you offer. For example, “Travel Blogger ✈️ | Coffee Lover ☕ | Sharing my adventures around the world.”
- Contact Information: Add an email address or other contact details if you want people to reach out.
- Website Link: If you have a personal blog, portfolio, or business website, include the URL.
- Social Media Handles: Link to your other social media profiles to help followers connect with you across platforms.
- Call to Action: Encourage visitors to follow you, check out your latest posts, or visit your website. For example, “Follow for daily fitness tips!” or “Check out my latest blog post!”
Step 4: Select Close Friends
Handpick your close friends list. These are the people who will receive your most personal updates. To do this, go to the “Close Friends” section and add the people you want to include. This feature ensures that your most important updates are seen by those who matter most.
Step 5: Start Posting
Share your first post! Remember, you’ve got 500 characters to make an impact. Whether it’s a quick update, a thought, or a story, start engaging with your audience right away.
Here are some tips to level up your posting game:
- Make It Interesting and Hook Your Audience
Start with a captivating opening. Whether it’s a question, a fun fact, or a bold statement, grab your audience’s attention from the first word. For example, “Did you know this secret hack can save you hours?” or “Guess what just happened!”
- Keep It Short
Threads are designed for quick, snappy updates. Stick to the point and avoid unnecessary fluff. Concise messages are more likely to be read and appreciated. Share your core message clearly and directly.
- Use Emojis
Emojis can add personality and emotion to your posts. They make your content more visually appealing and help convey your message in a fun, relatable way. For instance, “Excited about our new launch! 🚀✨” or “Just finished a great workout! 💪😅”.
- Incorporate Visuals
Add photos, videos, or GIFs to make your posts more engaging. Visual content can catch the eye and draw people into your message. For example, a beautiful landscape photo can enhance a travel update, or a funny GIF can add humor to your post.
- Ask Questions
Encourage interaction by asking questions. This can prompt your followers to comment and engage with your post. For instance, “What’s your favorite summer activity?” or “Which new feature do you love the most?”
- Share Behind-the-Scenes Content
Give your audience a glimpse behind the curtain. Whether it’s a sneak peek of a new project, a day in the life, or the process behind your latest creation, behind-the-scenes content can make your posts more relatable and engaging.
- Use Hashtags Wisely
Incorporate relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. Don’t overdo it, but a few well-chosen hashtags can help new audiences discover your content. For example, #TravelTips, #FoodieLife, or #TechTrends.
- Be Authentic
Be genuine in your posts. Authenticity resonates with people and builds trust. Share your thoughts, experiences, and insights in a way that reflects your true self.
Step 6: Explore Features
Play around with the features – from real-time updates to seamless cross-posting.
For example, try posting a real-time update about an event you’re attending, then cross-post it to your Instagram Stories. Experiment with different content types and discover what works best for you and your audience.
How to use Instagram Threads
Now that you have your profile, it’s time to explore Instagram Threads.
How to create a thread or post
- You have two options to create a thread. First is to click the “What’s new?” part on the top. The second is to click the “+” button on the lower middle part of the screen. Both options will let you start a new thread.
- Write your caption or text.
- You can then add images, videos, or other content via your library or by using your camera. You can also add GIFs via Giphy. Or click the microphone icon to add a voice recording.
- Want to create a poll instead? Click the Poll button.
- Once you’re happy with your thread, you can click the “Post” button to make your thread visible. Keep in mind that there’s no Drafts option yet for Threads, so make sure your content is good to go once you start making it so you don’t have to keep redoing your post.
How to follow or unfollow people on Threads
Following people is easy on Threads. You have multiple options:
- First is when you sign-up. You will be given a list of people that you already follow on Instagram. You can select everyone or select individually. If an Instagram account that you follow is not on Threads yet, they will be added to your following list once they create their account.
- Second is on your profile. Click your “Profile” tab on the bottom right of the screen. You can select the Follow option and then choose whether to follow accounts you already follow on Instagram or invite them via SMS and email.
- Lastly, you can do it via searching for the account. Click the magnifying glass icon, enter their name or username, and click the “Follow” button.
- Unfollowing accounts works the same way as above. You can find it on your profile or by searching their account. Then simply click the “Unfollow” button instead.
- Note: People you follow or unfollow on Threads won’t affect your Instagram account. Meaning, you can be following someone on Instagram but not follow them on Threads, and vice versa.
How to get verified on Threads
Want a verified checkmark on your Threads account? If you are already verified on Instagram, you’ll be automatically verified on Threads too.
But how about for regular people or for aspiring influencers? You have two options.
First is to apply for verification for free. You can submit evidence that you are a person of interest, and that you will need a checkmark to safeguard your account. Depending on the proof that you sent, you will either be approved or rejected by Meta.
Second is to use their subscription service called Meta Verified. It works like Twitter’s Blue subscription. For Meta, you’ll need to pay $14.99 monthly to receive premium perks such as the verified checkmark.
Keep in mind that you will have to be verified on Instagram first before getting verified on Threads. So if you’re going for any of the two options, you’ll have to access it on your Instagram account.
How to use Instagram Threads for Business and Marketing
Despite being new to the market, Instagram Threads at its core is still a social media platform that can be used for your business strategy and marketing efforts.
While Threads doesn’t have any sponsored ads or paid ads in their system (yet), you can still do a lot on the app to engage your audience or bring attention to your products. Don’t underestimate the power of good ol’ organic posts!
Here are some of our tips to help you make the most out of Threads:
Optimize your profile
As with any social media platform, optimizing your profile to show your brand elements is necessary.
Why? First, having a branded profile instantly shows that your account is legitimate and credible, and not just a random spam account. Second, your profile is another way to reinforce your brand identity. By having a branded profile that uses your logo, color scheme, and brand voice, people who do see your account become more familiar with your brand.
Make sure your Thread profile contains the following:
- Your logo: Your brand logo is your main identifier, so make sure to use your logo as your profile photo on Threads. If you are an influencer, content creator, or freelancer, you can use a nice headshot instead.
You can also sync your Instagram account to Threads so that you can just use the same profile photo for both. Or you can use a new one. Just keep in mind the image size requirement for Threads which is 320 x 320 pixels. - A well-written bio: You can write a catchy and snappy bio that either highlights your brand’s personality or gives a short but informative summary about your brand.
Just like with Instagram, Threads bio is limited to 150 characters. You again have the option to sync your two profiles so that your bio is the same for both. - Link to your other accounts: You can add a link to your website, blog, e-commerce store, other social media accounts, or even to your ongoing marketing campaign to your Threads profile. Make sure to always have a link here to make the most out of your account. However, there is no need to link to your Instagram since it is already linked directly on your Threads profile.
Create content that matches with your audience
As with any marketing efforts, the best way to capture your audience’s attention is to create content that resonates with them.
The content will have to depend on your brand identity as well as your audience’s preferences.
Establish your brand identity first. Do you want to be seen as friendly and approachable? Or as a knowledgeable thought leader in your industry? How about being seen as sophisticated and chic?
Next is to identify your audience. Know the basics such as their demographics (age, gender, location, etc.). Then dig deeper into their psychographics and the way they consume content. Do they want to see funny and witty posts? How about relatable ones? Or maybe they want tips and knowledge sharing? Or maybe they want to see aspirational lifestyle content?
The best content is one that marries both – one that showcases your brand’s personality while still appealing to your audience.
Do a mix of text-based and multimedia content
Threads, while mainly a text-based site, allows you to post multimedia content as well.
It’s best to do a mix of both content types to keep your content fresh and not repetitive. It also gives you more opportunity to create content that works best for whatever you’re promoting, as you’re not limited to sticking to one content type only.
Some ideas for text-based content that you can try out are:
- Q&A
- Quotes (whether funny or inspirational)
- An anecdote or story
- Conversational prompt (ex. “Tell me about a time when…” “What’s your favorite ___?” “What’s the best way to do ___?”)
- Fill in the blanks (ex. Have your followers fill out “I feel ___ when I wake up in the morning”)
- Polls or surveys
While some ideas for multimedia-based content are:
- Images
- Videos
- GIFs
- Meme photos / Reaction images
- Animated graphics
- Illustrations or Digital art
- Character sketches
- Screenshots of posts, comments, or reviews (for user-generated content)
You can also refer to our guide to creating compelling content to give you an idea of what to post on Threads.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
Threads is still a new platform, so there are no hard “rules” yet on what works or what doesn’t.
That’s why it’s the best time to experiment! Let your creative mind fly and experiment with content style, type, or voice. You never know, you might start a new viral trend or find a new content style that works well for you.
Be active, social, and consistent
Thread’s algorithm works by analyzing your audience’s preferences. Meta will consider the content your audience likes or comments on, the content they just scroll past, or the accounts they follow. From there, they will recommend posts or profiles that the audience will likely enjoy as well.
As a brand or marketer, how do you “beat” the algorithm? Well, the first is to provide valuable content to your audience. The more that your followers interact with your content, the more chances of your posts getting recommended to new audiences.
Next is to be popular. Yes, you read that right! The more popular your account is – that is, you have a lot of followers or you have tons of interactions with other accounts, the more likely your profile will be boosted as well.
To get more followers on your account, try to promote your Threads profile on your existing social media accounts. You can also cross-promote your Threads content as well.
And to get more interactions, try to comment and engage other accounts. Join in our conversations, keep up with trending topics, or answer their questions.
Lastly is to be active. The algorithm also considers how active you are on the app. By constantly engaging or posting new Threads, the higher your chances of getting shown on other people’s feeds.
What is the difference between Instagram Threads vs Twitter?
It’s no secret that Threads was created as an answer to Twitter / X. But how is the so-called “Twitter Killer” actually any different?
Let’s list down their key differences.
Instagram Threads:
- 500 character limit
- You cannot send direct messages
- Hashtags don’t work like other platforms as they can’t boost your content. There are “topic tags” though, where you can categorize your threads. You are still limited to one tag per post.
- Has Instagram integration – you can easily crosspost your content or sync your existing Instagram followers or bio
- Available as mobile app only
- No sponsored post or paid ads yet
- Cleaner, simpler interface
- Video length can be up to 5 minutes
- Can post up to 10 photos per threads
- Cannot edit your username – your Instagram username is your Threads username. If you want to change, you need to change on Instagram first
Twitter / X:
- 280 character limit
- Can send direct messages
- Hashtags are important – you can use them to find trending topics or to make your posts more visible. You can also add multiple hashtags per post.
- Independent app, not directly linked to other social media platforms
- Available as desktop app or mobile app
- Has multiple options for Twitter Ads
- “Busier” but more visually engaging interface
- Video length is up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds only
- Can only post 4 photos per tweet
- Can edit your username anytime
As you can see, there are differences between the two apps.
Now is the time for the most important question. Which one is better between Twitter and Threads?
Well, the answer will depend on your industry, the brand image you want to portray, your audience, as well as the performance of your content. If you find that your followers on Twitter are no longer active, then switching to Threads might be good. On the other hand, since Twitter has been up longer and is more established, it might be easier to reach a higher number of audience there.
Another thing you can consider is the declining popularity of Twitter due to their rebranding to X. With all of these issues and negative press, it might be a good idea to get started on Threads now instead.
Consider your goals and your past social media content performance into consideration to choose the best app for you.
Conclusion
Instagram Threads may be new, but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss the platform immediately. It should be seen as a gold mine of opportunities – as it’s not overly saturated yet and has tons of potential for growth.
Let this be your chance to experiment. Use Threads as your gateway for content that you haven’t tried yet or did try but didn’t get much traction. You never know, people on Threads might be the better audience for it.
We hope our guide has helped you learn everything about Instagram Threads. By following our tips above, you should be able to navigate the app more efficiently than ever.
Need help in creating engaging content for Threads and other social media platforms? We got you. Check out our AI Design tools that can help you design stunning visual content. Or use our customizable templates for Instagram Stories, Facebook Ads, YouTube Shorts, and many more.
That’s all we have today, till next time!
