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How to download and get started with Meta's Threads app
In 2023, Meta released Threads. This is a new social network meant to compete with the likes of Twitter. Today, we’ll tell you about what it is, how to use Threads, and more. Let’s jump right in.
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You can download the Threads app straight from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Log in using your Instagram account credentials and start sharing immediately.
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What is Threads?
Meta’s Threads app is a mostly text-focused social networking app. It has a character limit. You can only write posts with up to 500 characters and include links, up to 10 photos, and videos of up to five minutes.
Does this sound familiar? Threads is already considered a direct Twitter alternative. Threads is meant to live adjacent to the more image/video-centric Instagram. It’s so intertwined with Instagram that it uses the same account credentials. And if you happen to delete your Threads account, your Instagram account will also be gone.
How to get started with Threads
Are you ready to try the new social media app? Here’s how to get started.
- Head to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and download Threads, an Instagram app.
- Launch Threads.
- If you’ve already logged into Instagram using the same device, it should appear as an option to log in. Tap on the Log in with Instagram option.
- You can also tap on Switch accounts if you want to log in using a different Instagram account.
- You’ll be asked to fill out your Bio and add a Link of your choice. You can also add a profile picture. Do this and then hit the Next arrow.
- Alternatively, you can tap the Import from Instagram button to keep your info synced. Then hit Continue.
- Choose whether you want a Public profile or a Private profile, then select Continue.
- You can now choose whether you want to Follow all the same accounts you follow on Instagram, or pick and choose which to Follow. When done selecting, tap on the Next arrow.
- Tap on Join Threads.
- Allow necessary permissions.
- You’re in!
You can now tap on the Home tab to check your Threads feed. There’s also a Search tab for finding and discovering content. The Compose tab will help you share content with the world. The Heart tab directs you to your Activity page and notifications. Lastly, there’s the Profile tab, which lets you explore your own activity.
FAQs
Yes. The only way to log into Threads is to use your Instagram account credentials. You will need at least an Instagram account, but you don’t have to keep the Instagram app on your phone.
Meta’s Threads app was launched on July 5, 2023, for Android and iOS.
According to Exploding Topics, Threads has 160 million users as of January 2024.
The app didn’t support hashtags at launch, which is one of our biggest complaints. The feature was later introduced, in December 2023. It’s a bit different, though. While you can use a hashtag to highlight a topic, it won’t show up as a hashtag in the post. Instead, it will show up as a blue text link. Threads also named these Tags.