In recent months, there has been a surge in popularity for Twitter alternatives, both new and established, as users explore new text-based social networking platforms. Mastodon, Bluesky, Spill, and T2 are some of the platforms gaining traction, with Meta now joining the fray with its Threads app linked to Instagram.
What is Threads? How do you create an account?
Threads is Meta’s text-based rival to Twitter, seamlessly integrated with Instagram. Users can easily create an account by logging in with their existing Instagram credentials.
How is it different from Twitter?
Unlike Twitter, Threads currently does not feature paid tiers or ads. Verified users from Instagram, including those with Meta Verified status, retain their verification on Threads. Users can leverage their existing Instagram network to discover and follow users on Threads.
Although Threads has recently launched, it does not yet support features like long videos, direct messages, or live audio rooms typically found on Twitter.
How do you use Threads?
Threads is available on both iOS and Android in over 100 countries, except for the EU until December 2023 due to privacy concerns. Upon accessing Threads through Instagram, users can effortlessly follow their existing contacts, importing their username, name, and settings, such as block lists.
How many users does this thing have?
Since its launch in August 2024, Threads has amassed over 200 million users, showcasing rapid growth with over 100 million users within five days. Mark Zuckerberg highlighted the app’s exponential growth, even without availability in the EU at the time.
What are the limitations of posting on Threads?
Users can compose posts of up to 500 characters and include images, videos, and GIFs. Each thread post can support up to 10 media items. Following spam attacks, Threads has implemented rate limits to manage user post views effectively.
Can you use Threads on the web?
Yes, users can browse and publish content from Threads by visiting Threads.net.
What are the latest Threads updates?
Threads’ recent update introduces various enhancements and bug fixes, including support for iOS 17 public beta. The update details, shared by Instagram Software Engineer Cameron Roth, highlight improvements like iOS 17 compatibility and refined user experiences.
How do you delete your Threads account?
Deleting a Threads account previously required deleting the associated Instagram account, as detailed in Meta’s “Supplemental Privacy Policy.” Users can deactivate or delete their account, with Meta retaining data for 30 days post-deletion request for account reactivation within the timeframe.
Can you DM people on Threads?
Threads currently does not support direct messaging within the app. Users are encouraged to share threads to other platforms instead of establishing an internal messaging system.
Does Threads have an API?
Threads debuted its public API in June 2024 following a testing phase with select partners. The API enables developers to create tools for post publishing, post retrieval, and engagement insights, with restrictions on post deletion via API tools.
Does that mean we will have third-party clients?
Threads’ API limitations prevent the development of third-party clients due to restrictions on fetching timeline data. As a result, alternative Threads clients are not feasible with the current API restrictions.
Is Threads part of the Fediverse?
Threads interacts partially with the Fediverse, allowing users to share posts and engage with their Threads content on compatible ActivityPub networks like Mastodon. Users can opt to share their Threads posts on the Fediverse, expanding their reach and interactions across platforms.
What are some features that are currently missing from Threads?
- Full Fediverse integration
- Scheduled posts (coming soon)
- Direct messages
- Support for lists
- Support for third-party clients
What are Threads’ data collection practices?
Threads’ data collection aligns with Instagram accounts, as stated by Meta. Concerns have been raised regarding data collection practices, highlighted in the App Store’s privacy labels, mirroring those of other Meta-owned apps.
Addressing privacy concerns, Meta’s deputy chief privacy officer clarified that Threads’ data practices are consistent with other company apps, including Instagram.
If you have more FAQs about Threads not covered here, feel free to leave a comment below.
