How to use Threads, Meta's alternative to X (Twitter)

How to use the Threads app: the complete overview

Threads is a social media app from Meta, the company behind Instagram and Facebook. The app is designed for sharing short text posts and is seen as an alternative to X (formerly Twitter). In this article we explain what Threads is, how you use the app and what you can do with it.

What is Threads?

Meta launched Threads in July 2023 as a platform for short text posts. The app is closely tied to Instagram and makes it easy to share thoughts, opinions and updates with your followers. The concept is similar to X (Twitter), but with the familiar Instagram experience.

The name 'Threads' refers to conversations, or threads, of posts that reply to each other. The idea is that you can easily join ongoing conversations about all kinds of topics.

Key features of Threads

• Text-focused: The focus is on short text posts
• Instagram link: Your Instagram followers can follow you automatically
• Simple interface: Clear and easy to use
• No ads: Currently still ad-free
• Long posts: Up to 500 characters per post, with photos and videos

Installing Threads and signing up

To use Threads you need an Instagram account. Here is how to get started:

Step 1: Download the app

Download Threads for free from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Search for 'Threads, an Instagram app' to find the right app.

Step 2: Sign up with Instagram

Open the app and tap 'Log in with Instagram'. You will be asked to log in with your Instagram credentials. This is the only way to create a Threads account.

Step 3: Set up your profile

You can choose to import your Instagram profile details or create a new profile just for Threads. You can customize:

• Your display name
• Your bio (short description)
• Your profile picture
• A link to your website

Step 4: Choose your privacy setting

Decide whether you want a public or private profile:

• Public: Anyone can see your posts and follow you
• Private: Only approved followers can see your posts

Step 5: Follow people

Threads offers to automatically follow the same people you follow on Instagram. You can accept this or choose yourself who you want to follow.

Understanding the Threads interface

The app has a clear layout with five tabs at the bottom:

Home (house icon)

This is your feed, where you see posts from people you follow and recommended content. You can switch between:

• For you: Posts that Threads recommends based on your interests
• Following: Only posts from people you follow

Search (magnifying glass)

Search for other users, topics or specific posts. You can also discover trending topics.

New post (plus)

This is where you create a new post. Tap the plus sign to start writing.

Activity (heart)

View notifications about likes, replies, new followers and mentions of your name.

Profile (person)

Your own profile with all your posts, replies and reposts.

Creating your first post

Creating a post on Threads is easy:

Step 1: Open the post screen

Tap the plus icon at the bottom of the screen, or tap the spot in your home feed that says 'What's new?'

Step 2: Write your post

Type your post. You have up to 500 characters available, much more than the 280 characters on X. You can also:

• Add photos: Tap the photo icon to add up to 10 photos
• Add a video: Share videos up to 5 minutes long
• Add a GIF: Search for and share GIFs
• Create a poll: Ask your followers to vote

Step 3: Choose who can reply

Before you post, tap 'Anyone can reply' to choose from:

• Anyone
• Profiles you follow
• Mentioned profiles only

Step 4: Publish your post

Tap 'Post' to share your post. It appears right away on your profile and in your followers' feeds.

Interacting with posts

As on other social media, you can respond to posts in several ways:

Liking

Tap the heart icon below a post to like it. The author of the post gets a notification about it.

Replying

Tap the speech bubble icon to post a reply. Your reply appears below the original post and is visible to others.

Reposting

With the repost icon (two arrows) you share someone's post with your own followers. You can choose:

• Repost: Share it directly without adding anything
• Quote: Share the post with your own comment added

Sharing

Tap the paper airplane to share a post via:

• Threads Direct Message
• Instagram Direct
• Instagram Story
• Copy link
• Share via other apps

Having conversations on Threads

Threads is designed for conversations. Here are some tips for joining in:

Reply to others

By replying to other people's posts you get involved in conversations. Your replies can get replies of their own, which creates a 'thread'.

Mention others

Use @ followed by a username to mention someone. That person then gets a notification. This is useful for bringing someone into a conversation.

Follow topics

Search for topics that interest you and follow the conversations about them. This way you discover new people to follow.

Privacy and safety on Threads

Meta has built in several features to keep your experience safe:

Blocking accounts

If you block someone on Threads, that person is also blocked on Instagram. Blocked accounts cannot see your profile or contact you.

To block someone:

1. Go to the person's profile
2. Tap the three dots in the top right
3. Choose 'Block'

Hiding posts

You can choose to hide certain words, phrases or emojis. Posts that contain them are then not shown in your feed.

Managing notifications

Adjust your notifications in Settings to decide what you receive notifications about.

Threads and Instagram: the connection

Threads and Instagram are closely connected:

Shared followers

You can choose to follow the same people as on Instagram. If you unfollow someone on Threads, this has no effect on Instagram.

Shared block list

If you block someone on Threads, that person is also blocked on Instagram, and vice versa.

Cross-posting

You can automatically share your Threads posts to your Instagram Story or Feed.

Deleting your account

Important: If you want to delete your Threads account, you also have to delete your Instagram account. You can, however, deactivate your Threads profile without affecting Instagram.

Tips for using Threads effectively

Here are some tips to get the most out of Threads:

Be authentic

Threads is all about real conversations. Share your thoughts and opinions in a personal way.

Reply to others

By actively replying you build connections and gain more followers.

Use hashtags sparingly

Unlike on Instagram, hashtags are less common on Threads. One or two relevant tags is enough.

Post regularly

Consistency helps you build an audience. Try to post regularly, but do not spam.

Experiment with content

Try different types of posts: text, photos, polls and videos. Find out what works best for your audience.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Threads without Instagram?

No, you need an Instagram account to use Threads. This is because Threads uses the Instagram infrastructure for signing in and managing profiles. If you do not have Instagram yet, you first have to create an Instagram account before you can use Threads.

Are my Threads posts visible on Instagram?

Your Threads posts do not automatically appear on Instagram. They are two separate platforms with separate feeds. You can choose to share a specific Threads post to your Instagram Story or Feed, but you have to do this manually for each post you want to cross-post.

How do I delete my Threads account?

You can deactivate your Threads profile without losing your Instagram. Go to Settings in Threads, choose Account and select Deactivate profile. Fully deleting Threads is only possible by also deleting your Instagram account, because of the close link between the two platforms.

Can I have multiple Threads accounts?

Yes, you can have multiple Threads accounts if you have multiple Instagram accounts. Each Instagram account can have its own Threads profile. You can switch between accounts by tapping your profile picture and selecting another account, just like on Instagram.