Threads, Meta's latest app and an alternative to Twitter, garnered an impressive five million sign-ups within the first four hours of its launch. Accessible through an Instagram account, Threads bears resemblance to its rival while incorporating features unique to its platform. In this article, we will explore the sign-up process for Threads and highlight the key differences it offers compared to Twitter.
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How to Sign Up on Threads
Signing up for Threads is a seamless experience. Users can log in using their Instagram credentials, automatically gaining access to all the accounts they follow on Instagram that have also joined Threads.
This is happening because Threads is synced up with Instagram, it fetched the details such as the bio, profile picture, profile link, and profile username into the Threads app. However, it is important to note that you can only modify the bio and profile link, while the username remains unchanged.
How does Threads work?
Threads allows users to share posts of up to 500 characters, including images, GIFs, and videos up to five minutes in length. The platform resembles Twitter, featuring short text-based content, likes, and reposts. Additionally, users have the ability to quote a thread, similar to the concept of quote tweeting.
Why am I seeing posts from people I haven't followed in my feed?
One criticism since the launch of Threads is that users often encounter a mix of posts from both followed accounts and random accounts. Meta has clarified that the feed is a combination of followed accounts and algorithmic recommendations. Presently, there is no option to view posts exclusively from followed accounts, and it remains uncertain if this feature will be introduced in the future.
Can I send DMs on Threads?
At present, Threads does not support direct messaging between users, which may come as a relief to some users seeking a more streamlined experience.
Currently, personal DM is not available on Threads. However, you can engage with other users through comments, which is the main feature of the app.
What’s the Moderation Policies?
Threads follows moderation policies similar to those of Instagram. It enforces stricter guidelines compared to Twitter, particularly regarding nudity, and addresses issues of hate speech that Twitter has been criticized for since Elon Musk assumed leadership.
Can I keep my Threads account public and my Instagram account private?
Users can maintain privacy by choosing to keep their Instagram account locked down while having a public presence on Threads. However, it's important to note that for users under 16, both the Threads and Instagram accounts are private by default. Users can switch the privacy settings of Threads at any time and also have control over who can reply to their posts.
How you can hide posts that contain specific words on Threads ?
When posts or replies in Threads contain specific hidden words like “spoiler,” “gossip,” “finale,” or “scandal,” these posts will not be visible to you. Additionally, any replies containing these words will also be hidden for everyone. You can use this feature simply from the settings section of the application.
Will there be a ‘close friends’ setting on Threads, like on Instagram?
Currently, there are no plans for such a feature. However, if you prefer a more limited audience, you can switch your profile to private, ensuring that only your followers will be able to see your threads.
How can I get it or access it?
Threads is currently available exclusively as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Meta has not provided a specific timeline for the release of a desktop version.
Can I find followers from other social media platforms?
While Threads does not currently allow users to find followers from other social media platforms, Meta envisions making the app compatible with decentralized platforms like Mastodon. This compatibility would enable users to transfer their accounts and followers to other platforms. Meta is actively working on making Threads compatible with ActivityPub, which facilitates interoperability among social networks.
Will Threads have ads?
Meta has indicated that Threads will not be monetized with ads within the current year. However, the possibility of introducing ads in the future remains open.
Can I get a different username?
For the time being, Threads utilizes the same username as the user's Instagram account. Meta's decision to retain the existing username offers reassurance to accounts concerned about potential username clashes.
Why hasn't Threads been launched in the European Union (EU) yet?
Meta has attributed the delay of Threads' launch in the European Union to regulatory concerns. Compliance with stringent EU data privacy rules is being carefully addressed, as privacy advocates have expressed concerns regarding the personal information Threads collects, including health, financial data, contacts, browsing and search history, location data, purchases, and sensitive information as stated in the app's data privacy disclosure on the App Store.
Conclusion
Threads offers a user-friendly experience as an alternative to Twitter, combining features from Instagram and unique functionalities. Although it currently faces certain limitations, Meta continues to refine and develop Threads based on user feedback. As the user base grows, Threads has the potential to evolve and further establish itself as a prominent social media platform.