Threads: The New Must-Have App

Some time ago, I filled you in on the latest IG updates; since then, there have been plenty more. But IG has just released a huge update… Threads: The New Must-Have App.  

When Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, announced Threads yesterday, I didn’t know what he was talking about. I heard him, but I disregarded it. But in social once there’s a major announcement, it spreads like wildfire. Needless to say, my curiosity peaked. 

Upon downloading the app, it’s apparent that it’s a platform very similar to Twitter but very compatible with IG. I’ve never been fond of Twitter like that, so for those like me, this might be something we can get behind. 

What is it? 

Formally looking at this, Threads is a new app created by Instagram to have public conversations. Per usual, it’s social trying to bring communities together in a “safe” digital environment. It will also include some tools from IG like hidden words, restrict, and, over time, more features. You can still share links, videos (5 minutes long), and images. They’re also working on something called Activity Pub Protocol that would allow us to take our followers with us to another server or app should we choose in the future. This is very interesting, considering people are concerned about maintaining their audience if they use another app. I wonder if this would aid if people lost their followers. Overall, Threads is pretty self-explanatory. 

Pros and Cons

• Pro – Easily share whatever you post on threads to your IG story or feed.
  
• Pro – Easy setup. If you have an IG account already, you don’t have to create a new profile or look for who to follow unless you want to.
  
• Pro – It’s NEW, so right now, it’s ad free and “expert feedback” free!
  
• Pro – Easy to Thread. So use your words—all 500 characters.
  
• Pro – Blue check transfers over for those that have paid for the service.
  
• Pro – People you blocked on IG will still be blocked on Threads.
  
• Pro – Though it is another app to keep up with, IG makes it easy by automatically adding your Thread link to your IG page once you connect your account.
  
  
• Con – When you share a post, it has a Threads graphic in the background. Though there should be a call out to the app, I think one less busy would be better. I’m being nitpicky.
  
• Con – Not sure if it works seamlessly to add other accounts. I tried adding a business account, and nothing happened. User error could still be a thing. 
• Con – Does not support hashtags, location tags, or reels yet.
• Con – Do NOT delete Threads if you change your mind about the app. Deleting the app will delete your IG account. Instead, you can deactivate it. I don’t know if it will always be this way but hey, they know we’re not out here reading the fine print.

Is there room for both? 

The internet wants to throw out its jokes about IG being petty for this or that Threads might take down Twitter. It might be a little petty, considering the two owners of each platform, but I don’t mind IG doing this. Twitter won’t disappear. Both will coexist, and you’ll choose what community you want to be a part of, and for some, that might be both. As Gary Vee said, it’s about getting out there and testing it if you want. 

My time on the Twitter train was short-lived, but Threads feels more natural. This might be a space a lot of us won’t mind utilizing. There will always be some tweaks to work out with anything, but I think they will appease many folks. They’ve already passed 5 million signups, and people are enjoying it! Check out some posts below.