Threads: A Deep Dive into Instagram’s Text-Based Social Network

Ibrahim Awotunde

In the ever-evolving social media landscape, Instagram, owned by Meta, has thrown its hat into the ring of text-based platforms with the launch of Threads. This blog post dives deep into Threads, exploring its features, functionalities, and potential as a Twitter alternative.

What is Threads?

Threads is a text-based social network designed for close-knit groups and focused conversations. It leverages the existing user base of Instagram, allowing you to log in with your existing credentials.

This seamless integration provides a familiar environment for those already familiar with Instagram’s ecosystem.

Threads vs. Twitter: Key Differences

While both platforms cater to text-based interactions, there are some key distinctions.

Currently, Threads offers a more streamlined experience compared to Twitter. It lacks features like paid tiers, advertisements, live audio rooms, and the ability to share long videos.

How to Use Threads

Threads is readily available for download on iOS and Android devices in over 100 countries. Notably, it wasn’t accessible in the EU until December 2023 due to privacy concerns.

However, users within the EU can now browse the platform without creating an account, although posting and interacting remain restricted.

Upon logging in with your Instagram credentials, you’ll automatically follow your existing connections on Threads. Additionally, your username, name, and block list settings will seamlessly transfer over.

Growth and User Base

Despite its relatively young age (launched in August 2023), Threads has amassed a significant user base, exceeding 200 million users within its first year.

Within hours of its launch, millions flocked to the platform, showcasing its potential as a viable competitor.

Posting on Threads: Limitations and Options

Threads allows users to create posts with a 500-character limit. You can enhance your posts with engaging media like images, videos, and GIFs, supporting up to 10 media items per post.

In July 2024, measures were implemented to curb spam attacks, introducing rate limits on the number of posts users can view.

Accessing Threads on the Web

Threads caters to both mobile and desktop users. You can access posts and even publish content directly from Threads.net, providing a convenient web-based option.

Recent Updates and Bug Fixes

Threads prioritizes user experience through regular updates. The latest update addressed bugs reported in iOS 17 and introduced features like double-tap search functionality, improved profile picture viewing, and better scroll dismissal mechanisms.

Deleting Your Threads Account

Threads allows for account deactivation or deletion. However, until late 2023, deleting your Threads account necessitated deleting your entire Instagram account as well.Currently, Meta retains your data for 30 days after initiating the deletion process.

Direct Messaging on Threads

Unlike Twitter, Threads currently does not offer direct messaging functionalities. The platform’s focus lies on fostering community interactions through public threads rather than private messaging.

Threads API and Third-Party Apps

In June 2024, Threads launched a public API after a closed beta testing period. This API empowers developers to build tools for publishing posts, retrieving user posts, and analyzing engagement metrics. However, functionalities like post deletion remain unavailable via the API.

While the API paves the way for future development, creating fully-fledged third-party clients for Threads is currently restricted due to limitations in fetching timeline data.

Fediverse Integration: A Glimpse into the Future

Threads is exploring integration with the Fediverse, a decentralized network of interconnected social media platforms. Currently, an experimental feature allows users to share posts with Mastodon, a popular platform within the Fediverse. This fosters connections beyond the Threads ecosystem and lays the groundwork for future expansion.

Missing Features and Future Development

Threads is evolving and new features are constantly being explored. While some functionalities, like full Fediverse integration and post scheduling, are planned for the future, others, such as direct messaging and support for third-party clients, remain under consideration.

Data Collection Practices: Addressing User Concerns

Since Threads utilizes your existing Instagram login, Meta acknowledges that your Threads account is inherently linked to your Instagram profile. This has sparked user concerns about data collection practices. Meta emphasizes that its data collection practices for Threads are similar to those of its other apps.

Threads offers a unique proposition in the social media landscape. While it may not be a direct Twitter clone, it provides a focused environment for fostering meaningful discussions within established social circles.

As the platform matures and integrates evolving features like Fediverse connectivity, Threads has the potential to carve out a niche for itself in the ever-growing social media sphere.