By Cassie Croissant
Another day, another app.
In the world of social media, that’s how it can sometimes feel. Today, that’s the flat out truth. Meta has officially debuted its much anticipated Threads app, and the internet is abuzz.
In case you’ve yet to hear, Threads is pitted as a rival to Twitter, which has been on a downward spiral. What was once the internet’s go-to for the latest and greatest in news and pop culture is now seen by many users as an unserious platform brands are wary to touch. Insert Threads.
Threads allows users to post messages, AKA threads, and reply to, like and repost threads from other users, just like on Twitter. As of now, the search function is limited. Users can search for handles, but not by hashtags or trending topics… yet. These features are in the works. And, unlike Twitter’s current landscape, Threads hopes to be “a friendly place,” though we all know social media has a life of its own.
In its first seven hours, Threads saw 10 million users across 100 countries sign up, including some of the world’s most recognizable brands, news outlets, influencers and celebrities. Brands like TikTok, Netflix and Madewell leaned into humor with their first threads, while outlets like CNN and Vogue have already adopted a regular post cadence, sharing news updates throughout the day.
Though it’s too soon to tell if Threads will become a mainstay of social media, knowing 10 million users have flocked to the platform is reason enough to get on board.
What you need to know:
Threads is branded as “an Instagram app,” so users can claim their Instagram handle on Threads and follow the same accounts they already follow on Instagram with one click of a button.
If you have a verified Instagram account, your verification badge will also be carried over to Threads.
Users get 500 characters per thread for copy.
Images, videos (up to 5 minutes in length), GIFS and links can be included in Threads, just like on Twitter.
Voice notes and photo and video tagging will be available in the future.
If your brand is active on social media, you should claim a Threads handle now, if for nothing else than basic brand management. The good news is, if you already have an Instagram profile, you’ll find the signup process is seamless.
If you want to know more or need help getting started on Threads, reach out to us at [email protected].
Cassie Croissant is vice president of Integrated Marketing at Allison+Partners in New York City, with a specialty focus in social media.
