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Instagram Threads: Is It The New Twitter?

Darcy Price
Written By
Darcy Price
Published On
Jul 14, 2023
An illustration of an iPhone with the Instagram Threads logo on the screen

Last week, Meta launched ‘Threads’, a new social media app from Instagram that allows users to share their thoughts or join public conversations through text-based posts. 

Sounds familiar, right? Just two days after its launch, Twitter threatened to sue Meta over ‘misappropriation of trade secrets,’ claiming ex-Twitter employees built the app. 

Whether or not this is true, Threads garnered 30 million sign-ups on its first night and has stayed trending across the internet. Like us, you’re probably curious about what the fuss is all about. We did a deep dive so you won’t have to! 

Here’s our rundown on the Threads app—and why Twitter should be scared!

The Twitter vs Instagram War Rages On

From curated gallery feeds to engaging reels, Instagram offers users a space to showcase their creativity and build like-minded communities. Threads expands on that by being Instagram’s platform for public conversations. You can share real-time updates via posts that can be 500-character texts, photos, or even five-minute videos.

As with reels, your feed will feature threads posted or reposted by people you follow, as well as content from creators you might like. Posts on Threads can be shared via Instagram stories or any Meta platform of your choice. 

Yes, Twitter Did It First

Behind every spin-off is an original. 

Twitter’s then-unique micro-text format won the hearts of the masses back in 2006 and continues to reel users in through personalized feeds powered by algorithms and trends. Thoughts are shared via ‘tweets’, tweets can be tracked via ‘hashtags’ and/or a simple keyword search, and a series of related tweets are called ‘threads’. 

Twitter on the iPhone App Store page.

However, Twitter has been changing lately—and not for the better.

Half of its workforce was laid off, Twitter Blue was introduced, and just recently temporary limits were imposed to limit people to seeing 2 400 tweets per day. Twitter may be the third leading social media website in Canada, but a report from Statista has projected a 5% decline in its monthly active users by 2024. 

Instagram Threads: Some Quick Facts

Here are some things you need to know about this new app: 

Syncs With Instagram

Since it’s linked to Instagram, your verified status, username, followers, and even blocked profiles will be synced when you log into Threads. Feel free to customize your bio and follow a list to match your interests.

Just like on Instagram, you can add hidden words and limit mentions to your account. The Community Guidelines are also in effect on Threads to ensure a safe space for the Meta community.

Ad-Free—For Now

Brands are more than welcome to join, just not via advertising. Unlike Instagram and Facebook, Threads does not support online ads.

Threads Cannot Be Deleted, Only Deactivated

Once you log into your Threads account, you won’t be able to delete your profile without also deleting your Instagram. Your best bet is to deactivate it until the Instagram team comes up with a delete profile feature.

Compatible With ActivityPub

Find your people on Threads, regardless of what app they’re using, soon! ActivityPub is an open social networking protocol that allows content sharing between compatible platforms like Mastodon and WordPress.

Not Yet Available In The European Union

Since Threads migrates user information from Instagram, Meta decided not to launch it in the EU until they’ve met the requirements of the Digital Markets Act.

Missing Features

Some other things you should also take note of are Threads’ lack of private messaging, no trends or topics feed, user-limited search bar, and no hashtags function. It’s still in its early stages so we’re keeping our eyes peeled for updates.

Where Should Advertisers Go?

Threads has the potential to surpass Twitter, especially given its being backed and supported by Instagram and its billions of monthly active users. However, Twitter still has ad revenue while Threads is ad-free until further notice. Your best option is to do both: learn how Twitter ads work and use Threads to your advantage. 

Here are four ways to do exactly that:

Build An Online Community

Engage with your Instagram followers! Build rapport through Q&As, posting brand-related memes, and sharing helpful content that leads to your website or Instagram page. There are tons of ways to drive traffic back to your site. 

Build Hype

Developing a new product? Launching something soon? Post teasers on Threads and share real-time updates to entice your audience. As you do this, you’ll build hype for whatever it is you plan to unveil! 

Increase Your Audience Reach

Your posts won’t be limited to your followers, but to their followers as well. Make sure to post and repost consistently and stay on top of their feed. Consistency is undoubtedly one of the keys to succeeding on social media!

Show Off Your Brand Personality

Take a break from the staged posts of Instagram and humanize your brand on Threads. Whether it’s posting a joke or posing a thought-provoking question, find ways to interact with your followers that feel human and sincere.

A neon heart against the Instagram gradient

Advertise Across All Platforms With The Influence Agency

Trends come and go—expert strategies are here to stay. 

Whether you’re looking to jump into Instagram Threads or other platforms, we’ve got you covered. Our team is here to give your brand the boost it needs through Instagram ads, Facebook ads, content strategy, and more. 

Leave your social media marketing to us and enjoy scalable results, data reporting, and new exciting leads. Contact us today to get started! 

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Darcy Price

Darcy Price is a Content Manager at TIA. She finds creative inspiration through nature, travel, cooking, reading, and writing. Recommend your favourite book to her @darcy_.
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