The Threads app by Meta is taking the social media world by storm. Literally. Over the first 24 hours after launching, Threads had 30 million downloads. I wouldn’t say people are jumping ship from other platforms just yet, but they’re definitely neglecting their other social apps for a look at Threads. It’s a different vibe, but with a very similar setup. So let’s break it all down. How do you get started on Threads? What is Threads? And why is Threads important to online mom entrepreneurs like yourself?
(This post was written within the first 2 days of Threads launching, so I’ll be sure to update it as things change with the Threads app.)
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Table of Contents
- What is Threads?
- How is Threads Connected to Instagram?
- How Does Threads Work?
- What are the Pros and Cons of Threads?
- Will there be ads on Threads?
What is Threads?
Threads is a social media app created by Meta in response to Twitter. Meta is trying to take what Twitter is now (or used to be) and make it better. According to Mark Zuckerberg in a Threads reply, “The goal is to keep it friendly as it expands… That’s one reason why Twitter never succeeded as much as I think it should have, and we want to do it differently.”
In my experience with Threads (in the past 24 hours), it’s a way to for creators and businesses to interact with their audience in a less curated way. Quickly send out text posts without spending so much time curating the perfect images or creating the perfect reel.
It’s also a way to interact with your audience in a less formal way. It’s like social media in 2015. It’s more, what’s the word I’m looking for? Oh, that’s right, it’s more SOCIAL. The actual point of social media when it started.
Related Article: Content Strategy Framework: As Easy as ABC
How is Threads Connected to Instagram?
Threads is a part of Meta. Think of Meta as the parent and Threads and Instagram as the kids. The Threads app is listed as Threads, an Instagram app. And when you download the Threads app, you’ll be able to create an account using your information from Instagram, including your bio, links, and people you follow.
Related Article: How to Create a Tailwind Smart Bio for Maximum Impact
How do I download the Threads App?
Find Threads on the App Store or Play Store for Android.
For iPhone Users:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap the Search icon at the bottom right of your screen, tap the search bar at the top, and search for Instagram Threads.
- Tap on the Threads app when you see it — the app icon is a white, swirly @ symbol against a black background.
- Tap Get to download and install Threads.
For Android Users:
- Open the Play Store.
- Tap the search bar at the top of the screen and search for Instagram Threads.
- Tap on the Threads app when you see it — the app icon is a white, swirly @ symbol against a black background.
- Tap the Install button.
You’ll be prompted to login using your Instagram account and user name. Then you can choose to follow the same people on Threads that you follow on Instagram (some might not be on Threads yet, but once they are you’ll be following them). And you can even copy your same bio and bio link over to Threads with the click of a button. It’s the smoothest transition from one social platform to another that I’ve ever experienced.
How Does Threads Work?
Threads works much like Twitter. The user interface is pretty much the same, but what are the character limits? Can you use video and images? So here are the basic guidelines for using Threads.
- 500 Character limit
- No ads (yet)
- Videos up to 5 minutes
- Feed = people you follow, plus recommended people
- You can search for profiles
- Thread replies help keep the conversation going
- Like, reply (comment), re-thread (repost or share), send
- Threads can include images, scrolling images (like carousels), video, links
- Your bio and bio link (and people you follow) can carry over from Instagram
Now, the main thing you should keep in mind about Threads is that it’s less curated than other apps like Instagram. You don’t have to put so much time and effort into making things look pretty, but making them quick, efficient, and sociable.
It’s like when you first meet someone you like. You wouldn’t immediately ask them to marry you. You would however, start up a conversation and get to know them. That’s what the Threads app is made for. That’s what most social apps are made for. You could also think of them as a handshake. They’re the introduction to you and your business.
Keep the promotion and selling light and use it sparingly, kind of like salt. It’s still needed, but when you overdo it man is it noticeable.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to have a website or landing page to de-platform your audience and get them off of social media and onto your own platforms that you have more control over. So your email list or your website. With these options, people don’t have to search their feed to find you, (or worse yet – just hope you show up in their feed before they leave the app). You’re right there for them to view or sent straight to their inbox.
What are the Pros and Cons of Threads?
As with anything, there will be pros and cons to this new social media platform. As I mentioned before, Threads is a lot like Twitter. The user interface is setup basically the exact same. Everything looks very familiar. You can like (or heart) posts, which are called Threads. You can repost, comment, or send Threads to others.
What I’m Not Loving About Threads
Like anything there will be cons. Right now, there are a few bugs or glitches to work out. This is just day two of Threads (at the time of writing this), so I’m sure they’ll get everything worked out soon enough. A few glitches that I’ve noticed.
- As you type out a new Thread, sometimes the text is lagging. Not a big issue, but can cause typos if you’re not careful. Which leads me to my next issue.
- There isn’t a way for you to edit your posts yet, so any typos or mistakes just have to stay. (You can delete the Thread entirely, but if you have replies or likes you lose those as well.)
- If you start a Thread and can’t finish it or not sure where to go next, you can’t save a draft. You have to discard it and start over.
- You can search profiles (of businesses or creators), but you can’t search for topics (yet at least)
- When you view your followers, the button beside their name prompts you to “remove” them. It would be nice to see a “follow back” button there.
- As of now, there isn’t a Desktop version of the app.
These are just a few of the issues that I’ve run into with Threads in the first 24 hours. I’m sure these things will be fixed at some point, or at least addressed.
Related Article: How to Create a Tailwind Smart Bio for Maximum Impact
What I’m Loving About Threads
So far, I love that there aren’t any ads. It’s such a free space for people to interact. And it’s showing “trial vibes.” Like creators are using Threads as a way to test out new content before they post it to other platforms.
Of course, this goes without saying, but you don’t have to be on other platforms. It’s just another way to work on your content game online.
I also love that most people are posting light-hearted posts. More like what they’re thinking at the moment or what’s happening in their life. And while it may seem like they aren’t be strategic at all, I would wager they are.
Because if you look at your favorite creators, the light-hearted posts are all centered around one thing: their audience. Who they serve. Content that resonates with their audience on a personal yet playful level.
It’s that strategy and playfulness that will help creators on Threads flourish.
Will there be ads on Threads?
At some point, definitely. That’s how all social media platforms work. It’s how they make money and scale, but for now it’s very freeing seeing how people are using the app.
According to Mark Zuckerberg in a reply on Threads, “Our approach will be the same as all our other products: make the product work well first, then see if we can get it on a clear path to 1 billion people, and only then think about monetization…”
And for right now, most people are just trying Threads out. Like trying clothes on in a dressing room. Or trying a free sample at Costco. You’re trying it out and seeing if you like the Threads app.
This is so important as an online business owner and a step that most don’t take. It’s one you should take with any new platform that you try. Because you can’t be a creator on a social platform (or any online platform) if you don’t like it as a consumer. You don’t need to be everywhere, but you do need to enjoy where you’re at to become great. And consuming the content on that platform first will help you see if you truly like it. If you like that atmosphere or the vibe from that community. (And each social platform or online channel has it’s own little community or way of doing things.)
And while you see if you like it, you’ll also be able to learn the little nuances that go along with that platform / community. You’ll figure out if your people or your tribe are there ready to consume your content. These are all important to the success of your online content.
And that wraps up your quickstart guide to Threads. Your basic guidelines for creating content on Threads, what the Threads app is all about, and how to download the app and get started. What else would you like to know about Threads? Leave your questions in the comments, and I’ll be sure to create content that keeps your online business moving and making money.
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