Uncover the World of Threads - A Meta Rival
What is Threads?
Threads is Meta's text-based Twitter rival, tied to your Instagram account. You can create an account simply by logging in with your Instagram credentials. This seamless integration allows you to bring your Instagram network along and start connecting with others.It offers a unique platform for text-based interactions, providing an alternative to the traditional Twitter experience. With its focus on text, it stands out as a distinct social media option.
How is it Different from Twitter?
Currently, Threads lacks some features found on Twitter, such as long video, direct messages, and live audio rooms. However, it does carry over your verification mark from Instagram, even if you have paid for Meta Verified. This gives users a sense of recognition and authenticity.Another difference is the absence of paid tiers and ads on the app. It provides a more streamlined and ad-free experience for users, allowing them to focus on the content.
How do you Use Threads?
The platform is available on iOS and Android in over 100 countries. However, due to privacy concerns, it was not initially available in the EU until December 2023. In the EU, users can browse the social network without an account but cannot publish or interact with other posts.By logging in through your Instagram account, you can follow all the people you follow on Instagram. Additionally, you'll import your username, name, and settings, including the block list.
How Many Users does This Thing Have?
As of November 2024, Threads has more than 275 million monthly active users. Its user base has been steadily growing. Within hours of launch, it crossed the 10 million signup mark, and it reached 100 million users in just five days.This rapid growth shows the appeal and potential of Threads in the social media landscape.
What are the Limitations of Posting on Threads?
Users can post 500 characters in one post, and the post supports images, videos, and GIFs. A Thread post can have up to 10 media items. However, due to spam attacks, Threads had to tighten up on rate limits to ensure a better user experience.These limitations help maintain the quality and integrity of the platform while still allowing users to share their content.
Can you Use Threads on the Web?
Yes, you can view posts and publish from Threads.net. This provides users with the flexibility to access and interact with the platform on their web browsers.It allows for a more seamless experience across different devices and platforms.
How do you Delete your Threads Account?
You can deactivate or delete your Threads account. Until the end of 2023, you had to delete your Instagram account to delete your Threads account. Meta keeps your data for 30 days after the initial deletion request, giving you the option to cancel deletion within that time if you change your mind.This process ensures that users have control over their data and account settings.
How can you Customize your Threads Experience?
Threads allows you to pin search terms and tags as feeds, helping you stay organized and discover relevant content. The company is also testing a way to create custom feeds by adding specific profiles and terms.You can now set any feed as the default, giving you more control over what you see on the platform. Additionally, Meta's newest social was inspired by rival Bluesky and made its own version of "Starter Packs" for users to follow based on different themes.
Can you DM People on Threads?
Currently, you can't send a message to users on the app. Instagram head Adam Mosseri stated that the goal is to focus on threads rather than building another inbox. This approach aims to keep the user experience focused and streamlined.It allows users to engage in text-based conversations without the clutter of a traditional messaging system.
Does Threads have an API?
After testing with select partners for a few months, Threads finally launched the public API in June 2024. Developers can build tools to publish posts and retrieve their own posts, gaining insights about engagement.However, these tools cannot yet help you delete your posts, highlighting the current limitations of the API.
Is Threads Part of the Fediverse?
Partially. In 2024, Threads started an experiment to let users share their posts to the fediverse. Users can turn on fediverse sharing, and people on other compatible ActivityPub networks like Mastodon can follow them and see their posts.Threads also allows users on the fediverse to like Threads posts, expanding its reach and connectivity. Additionally, Meta extended fediverse support by adding features like seeing replies from fediverse users and distributing posts through the API.
What are some Features that are Currently Missing from Threads?
Some features currently missing from Threads include full Fediverse integration, scheduling posts (coming soon), direct messages, support for lists, and support for third-party clients.These are areas that Meta may consider adding in the future to enhance the functionality and user experience of the platform.
What are Threads' Data Collection Practices?
Since you use an Instagram account to log in to Threads, Meta considers it part of your Instagram account. Users have raised questions about data collection due to the privacy labels mentioned in the App Store.Meta's deputy chief privacy officer Rob Sherman stated that the labels are similar to those of other apps. This provides some reassurance to users about data privacy.