Will Instagram Threads Have A Shot Against Twitter?

Threads, the next text-based app to rival Twitter, has been launched by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. 

This latest introduction from Meta was unveiled on Thursday, and it appears to be similar to Twitter, Instagram’s main competitor. ‘Within the first seven hours of its Wednesday debut, the new “Threads” app from Meta saw more than 10 million users sign up – the company’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg updated’.

The Threads app, according to Meta, is designed to provide people with a more private messaging experience in a more creative way. Through Meta’s Threads, people will be able to share private moments with close friends. Meta’s move is a bold shot to entice users away from its bumbling competitor by offering a near-clone of the platform. 

The app’s release poses a significant challenge to Twitter’s long-standing dominance in the social networking platform landscape. Meta Threads aims to provide a more intimate messaging experience, whereas Twitter revolutionized real-time updates and succinct communication.

So, if the differences between two tycoons’ apps make you inquisitive, this post is for you! 

But as we move ahead to judging the differences, let’s first look back at Threads’ history while unfolding its tale!

What is Threads’ History?

Threads was the name of an existing app by the same company, released in 2019 as an Instagram companion. It was a messaging app with a camera that allowed users to share status updates and chat with their “close friends.” However, it was phased out in December 2021. Threads has come back as a new app with the intent to compete with Twitter. 

How does Meta Threads stack up against Twitter?

Meta Threads remains a minimalist application with limited features. Unlike Twitter, which offers a sophisticated search function to explore tweets and trending topics, Threads does not allow users to search and follow specific individuals. 

Furthermore, Threads lacks the ability to directly send posts to other users, distinguishing it from Instagram’s functionality. Nevertheless it is crucial to remember that it’s just the beginning of Threads’ journey, and it will most likely change and expand over time.

One significant advantage that Threads holds over Twitter is its association with Instagram’s vast user base. This, coupled with the growing dissatisfaction towards Elon Musk’s leadership on Twitter, creates a winning combination.

While Threads is not the first alternative to Twitter following Musk’s acquisition, other platforms like Bluesky (a Twitter clone backed by Jack Dorsey), Mastodon (known as the ‘anti-Twitter’), Substack Notes, and more have emerged. However, these alternatives often feel empty and unappealing for users who are accustomed to the liveliness of Twitter, as they had to build their user bases from scratch. Additionally, ease of use is crucial for new social media platforms, and Mastodon is often perceived as too technical for the average user.

The Analogy between Threads and Twitter

Basic Features

• Threads: Threads is a standalone app that is designed to be a more personal and private way to connect with your friends and followers. It allows you to post text, photos, videos, and links, and you can also create threads of multiple posts. Threads is integrated with Instagram, so you can share your posts to your Instagram Story. 
• Twitter: Twitter is a microblogging network that allows you to submit brief messages, or tweets, of up to 280 characters. You can also post photos, videos, and links, and you can create threads of multiple tweets. Twitter is a more public platform than Threads, and your tweets are visible to anyone who follows you.

Usability

• Threads: Threads are easy to use and navigate. The app is divided into three tabs: Home, Activity, and People. The Home tab shows your feed of posts from the people you follow. The Activity tab shows your own posts and the posts that you have interacted with. The People tab shows your list of followers and followings. 
• Twitter: Twitter is also easy to use. The app is divided into four tabs: Home, Search, Notifications, and Messages. The Home tab shows your feed of tweets from the people you follow. The Search tab allows you to search for tweets, people, and hashtags. The Notifications tab shows you notifications about tweets that you have been mentioned in or that have been liked or retweeted by you. The Messages tab shows your direct messages.

Limitations

• Threads: To start with, Threads allows a more generous character limit for posts, providing room for 500 characters, which surpasses Twitter’s 280-character constraint. But, it is worth noting that Threads lacks a search feature, limiting the ability to search for specific tweets or users. Furthermore, the platform does not support direct messaging, impeding the ability to send private messages to other users. 
• Twitter: Twitter also involves few limitations. First, the interface can be cluttered and overwhelming, especially for new users. Second, Twitter can be a noisy platform, with a lot of spam and abuse. Ultimately, Twitter’s algorithms may be opaque, posing a challenge in figuring out how your tweets are interpreted by other users.

Privacy

• Threads: Threads is a private platform in contrast to Twitter. Your posts are only visible to the people you follow, and you can choose to share your posts with a selected group of people. Threads also includes a variety of privacy options that you can use to manage who may view your posts. 
• Twitter: Twitter, unlike Threads, is a highly public platform where your tweets reach a wide audience. They are visible to all your followers, and even non-followers can find and view your tweets through searches or retweets by others. 

Additional Features

• Threads: 
  • Post multiple images and videos in a single post
  • Add location to your posts
  • Schedule posts in advance 
• Twitter:
  • Edit posts
  • Access Twitter through a web browser
  • Ability to use hashtags
  • Ability to send direct messages

Both Threads and Twitter are great platforms for sharing your thoughts and connecting with others. Despite that, they have different highs and lows. Threads is a more private and personal platform, while Twitter is a more public and open platform. Ultimately, your individual needs and preferences will decide the choice of platform for you. 

How do you sign up for Meta Threads?

Threads’ initial success can be attributed primarily to the sign-up process. Threads uses Instagram’s existing 2.35 billion user base rather than starting from scratch, as other Twitter competitors do. You can easily sign up for an Instagram account and avoid the hassle of filling in personal information. The bio can even be transferred automatically.

The registration procedure is straightforward. Threads is now available on both Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store across various nations, so all you got to do to get started is: 

• Download it, 
• Activate it, 
• Select ‘Log in with Instagram’,
• Tap the ‘Import from Instagram’ button, 

And voila!

When you join Threads, you will be assigned an ID depending on your rank, which is decided by when you join the app.  On your Instagram profile, this ID appears as a badge next to your name or username. It lets your followers know that you are using Threads.

By default, users under the age of 18 will be assigned a private profile.

How private is Meta Threads?

The privacy of Meta Threads depends on your settings. Your Threads profile is set to public by default, which implies that anyone may see and participate with your postings. However, you may change your privacy settings to make your profile private. That’s quite similar to how we do it on Instagram. Allow only those individuals you permit to see and interact with the posts you share.

Here are the steps on how to change your privacy settings on Threads:

1. Open the Threads app.
2. Click on your profile picture visible in the top left corner.
3. Tap on “Privacy” by opening the three dots menu in the top right corner.
4. Turn on the switch next to “Private profile”.

As soon as you make your profile private, only your followers and the one you follow will be able to view as well as interact with your posts. If you wish to make your profile public again, just turn the switch back to the off position.

In addition to your privacy settings, there are a few other things to keep in mind when it comes to privacy of Threads:

• Threads posts can be screenshotted and shared. If someone screenshots your Threads post, they will be able to share it with others, even if your profile is private.
• Threads posts can be seen in search results. Even if your profile is private, your Threads posts may still be visible in search results. This is because Threads posts are indexed by search engines.
• Threads data is collected by Meta. When you use Threads, Meta collects data about your posts, interactions, and other activities. This data may be used to target you with ads or to improve the Threads app.

You may take the following measures to preserve your privacy, if you are worried about the privacy of your Threads postings: 

• Set your profile to private. This will prevent people who you do not approve from seeing your posts.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information in your posts. It asks for details – contact information, current location or any other personal information.
• Be aware of the risks of screenshotting and sharing. If you do not want your Threads posts to be shared, you should avoid sharing sensitive information in them.

Ultimately, the level of privacy you have on Threads is up to you. Understanding the privacy settings and risks allows you to make informed decisions while using the app.

A Thread for Digital Marketing and SEO Agencies

1. Reach a wider audience

While Threads app is still in the evolving phase, its user base is quite smaller with respect to other such social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter. However, this also means that there is less competition for attention on Threads. This might open up possibilities for marketing firms to cater to a broader audience by way of their content.

2. Build relationships

Threads is designed for more personal and private communication than other social media platforms. This might make it an excellent platform for digital marketing companies to connect with prospective clients and partners.

3. Generate leads

Threads allows users to exchange contact details. This could be an opportunity for digital marketing agencies to generate leads by collecting contact information from potential clients.

4. Improve SEO

Search engines can index thread postings, which means they may appear in search results. This could help digital marketing agencies improve their SEO by publishing high-quality content on Threads.

Here’s what Marketers can do to lead among competitors:

• Sharing behind-the-scenes content with followers. This could include things like photos and videos of the agency’s work, as well as insights into the work culture and team.
• Run contests and giveaways. This could be a way to generate excitement and engagement among followers, as well as collect contact information from potential leads.
• Provide customer support. This might be a way to respond to followers’ queries and handle any troubles they may be experiencing.

Overall, Threads can be a valuable tool for digital marketing and SEO companies. By using Threads effectively, agencies can reach a wider audience, build relationships, generate leads, and improve their SEO.

What is the road ahead for the platform?

As Instagram’s Threads app makes its way into the domain of digital communication, its impact on the future of social networking and online connections cannot be overstated. Threads have the power to turn the cards and change the way we interact and exchange information. By providing a dedicated platform for real-time interactions, it bridges the gap between Instagram’s visual-centric approach and Twitter-like microblogging.

Individuals, brands, and influencers can use Threads to foster stronger audience engagement, flaunt their authenticity through exclusive behind-the-scenes content and build thriving communities.

Threads, which is currently under development and may receive updates, could pave the way for the future of personalized and immersive communication. This would fundamentally change the way we interact and connect online. As we embrace Threads and its evolving role, we look forward to an exciting future for communication.