The Twitter Alternative You’ve Been Waiting For: Threads Exposed
Meta’s latest attempt to dethrone Twitter, Threads, has finally launched, and it’s bigger than anyone expected. With over 200 million active users, Threads is the new hot ticket in town, and we’re about to expose everything you need to know.
What is Threads?
Threads is Meta’s text-based Twitter rival, tied to your Instagram account. Yes, you read that right – your Instagram account. You can create an account by logging in with your Instagram credentials, and import your username, name, and settings like block lists.
How is it different from Twitter?
For now, Threads has no paid tiers, and no ads. But, your verification mark from Instagram carries over, even if you’ve paid for Meta Verified. You can take advantage of your Instagram network to find people to follow. The app doesn’t have Twitter-like features like long video, direct messages, and live audio rooms… yet.
How do you use Threads?
Available on iOS and Android in over 100 countries, Threads is still unavailable in the EU due to privacy concerns. When it does launch in the EU, users will be able to browse the social network without an account, sans the ability to publish or interact with other posts.
What are the limitations of posting on Threads?
You can post 500 characters in one post on the app, with support for images, videos, and GIFs. A Thread post supports up to 10 media items. However, due to spam attacks, Threads has recently tightened up on rate limits, limiting how many posts users can view.
Can you use Threads on the web?
Yes, you can view posts and publish from Threads.net.
What are the latest Threads updates?
Threads has rolled out a handful of small changes, added features, and bug fixes, including support for iOS 17 public beta. The update includes features like double tap on Search tab to search, Facepile pill polish, and more.
How do you delete your Threads account?
You can deactivate or delete your Threads account. Until the end of 2023, you had to delete your Instagram account to delete your Threads account. Meta keeps your data for 30 days after the initial deletion request.
Can you DM people on Threads?
No, you can’t send a message to users on the app. The goal is to "not build yet another inbox and instead let people send threads to other apps."
Does Threads have an API?
Yes, the public API was launched in June 2024. Developers can build tools to publish posts of users and retrieve their own posts and gain insights about engagement. However, these tools can’t yet help you delete your posts.
Does that mean we will have third-party clients?
Not yet. The API has limitations, and developers can’t create alternative clients for Threads.
Is Threads part of the Fediverse?
Partially. Users can share their posts to the fediverse, and people on other compatible ActivityPub networks Mastodon can follow them and see their posts.
What are some features that are currently missing from Threads?
Full Fediverse integration, scheduling posts, direct messages, support for lists, and support for third-party clients are just a few features missing from Threads.
What are Threads’ data collection practices?
Because you’re using an Instagram account to log in to Threads, Meta says that "it is part of your Instagram account." Users have raised questions about the app’s data collection, given the privacy labels mentioned in the App Store.
Conclusion
Threads is the new kid on the block, and it’s already making waves. With its unique features and limitations, Threads is poised to shake up the social media landscape. Whether you’re a die-hard Twitter fan or just looking for a change, Threads is definitely worth checking out. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for Threads today and join the conversation!
