Everything Creators Should Know About Meta’s New App, Threads

If you’ve been on the internet in the last week, you’ve probably already heard of Threads, Meta’s shiny new social media app. It’s all anyone can talk about, and for good reason. 

Threads has already shaken up tech and social media, getting over 30 million sign-ups within the first 24 hours of launch. And many users have hailed the app as a light-hearted space on the internet for fun and humor.

As brands and Creators are thinking about how the app fits into their social media marketing strategy, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Threads. Is it just another social media platform to maintain, or is it an opportunity to grow in new, exciting ways? Let’s discuss.

What is Threads?

Threads is a new text-based social media platform where users can have real-time conversations. Meta began developing the app in January 2023, and officially launched it to the public on July 6th. 

The app is meant to serve as a separate space from Instagram for real-time updates and direct communication. According to Meta, “Our vision with Threads is to take what Instagram does best and expand that to text, creating a positive and creative space to express your ideas.” While Instagram is known for its curated, polished videos and images, Threads can create more authentic, of-the-moment discussions.

How Threads works

Meta couldn’t have made sign-up any easier. Users can set up a Threads account using their Instagram handle, and choose to follow the same accounts on Threads that they already follow on Instagram. 

Here are some of the app’s features:

• Feeds are algorithmic and are populated by a mix of content from accounts users already follow and recommended content
• Verification from Instagram carries over to Threads
• Threads posts are easy to share to Instagram stories or other social channels
• Accessibility features like screen reader support and AI-generated image descriptions
• Posts include a 500 character count
• Users can upload photos, videos (up to 5 minutes in length), and links to posts

How is Threads different from Twitter?

If this all sounds familiar to you, you’re not the only one. Threads is being called a Twitter rival, as it mirrors the look and functionality of the legacy platform.

The recent chaos at Twitter and the platform’s frequent changes (such as limiting the number of Tweets users can read) have bred frustration amongst users. Brands and Creators alike have sought out alternative platforms that are more positive and consistent. 

Twitter’s instability has made Threads a viable alternative to users who are excited to make the jump. But Threads is not a direct Twitter copy, and there are some important differences that set it apart. As previously mentioned, the longer word count and algorithmic feed are some of the immediate differences, but what really sets it apart are the more robust safety and privacy controls. There are no DM’s, no hashtags, and no trending lists, keeping the content more narrowly focused and presenting fewer opportunities for spam, bots, and trolls. 

Like other platforms, Threads allows users to mute, restrict, and block accounts they don’t want to see, and any accounts blocked on Instagram will be automatically blocked on Threads. To take it a step further, Threads also provides more filtering options, allowing users to hide specific phrases and words they don’t want to see in their feed. And users can choose who mentions or replies to them, which gives them more control over who they’re engaging with in conversations. 

Similarly, Meta’s strong focus on content moderation gives it a leg up on Twitter, which has recently become less focused on content moderation.

Why is Threads a compelling platform for Creators?

For Creators who are already maintaining a presence on a blog, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Pinterest, and Twitter, adding another platform to the mix can either be an exciting new challenge or seem completely daunting. In fact, social media managers are already making jokes on Threads about the chaos of suddenly having to maintain another social media account:

But Threads presents an opportunity for you to get ahead of the competition and join a platform while it’s still young! Threads has already attracted 100 million users, demonstrating the strong user base that already exists on the app. As huge names like Kim Kardashian, Oprah, and Jennifer Lopez have already signed up, Threads is becoming the place to be for savvy celebrities and Creators.

Here’s why you should consider joining sooner than later:

• Direct line of communication: Threads allows you to speak directly to your audience and initiate conversations.
• Audience insights: With such a clear way to converse with followers, you can pose questions to your audience, and learn more about what they care about. It’s a great platform to practice social listening!
• Engagement: This back-and-forth communication style fosters meaningful connections, which leads to more audience engagement. 
• Easy adoption and growth: Followers can be more seamlessly transferred from Instagram accounts, so you don’t have to start from zero. 
• More controlled interactions: With more advanced filtering tools and more control over replies, you can tailor your message to certain audiences, and worry less about trolls and bots. 
• Easy reposting: While more curated, edited platforms make reposting less likely, Threads’ lack of curation encourages easier, faster content sharing, allowing posts to reach broader audiences.

How Creators can make the most of Threads

If you’re ready to hop on the Threads train, here are some tips and best practices to set you up for success: 

• Be real: Don’t feel pressured to be as filtered and polished as you are on Instagram, and allow your real self and personality to shine. Leading with authenticity and creating meaningful connections will help you capitalize on the app’s intended use. 
• Hook your audience: Since this app is all about text and conversations, finding a hook that will draw your audience in from the get-go will catch their attention and get the conversation going. 
• Clear, concise, conversational writing: Using clear writing that’s concise and conversational will help your audience better understand your message, and make your content feel more authentic and real. 
• Include CTA’s: Get your audience talking by providing a call-to-action that asks for their participation! Give them a clear direction to get them talking in the comments. For example, “I need to know what you’re shopping during the Nordstrom sale! Give me the top item on your wishlist, and tell me why.”
• Ask for feedback: Use this opportunity to learn more about your audience. You can ask them what they want to see you post about, what they enjoy reading, and what kind of tips they’re looking for, just to name a few ideas. 
• Make your posts easy-to-read: Make your posts more readable and engaging by breaking up text into smaller paragraphs, using bullet points to make it skimmable, and adding in visuals like photos and videos to make it more engaging.

For now, it seems like Threads is here to stay as it’s growing by the day. Being an early adopter of new social media platforms can be hugely beneficial to brands and Creators, so if you want to start posting on Threads, we recommend starting sooner than later!

Shameless plug! Collective Voice is now on Threads. Follow us @collectivevoicehq.