Understanding Instagram Threads: A Complete Overview

Understanding Instagram Threads

Instagram Threads is a new messaging app released in 2019 that allows users to easily communicate with their closest friends list. It was designed to be a more intimate and private way to share casual content, thoughts, and updates compared to the public nature of the main Instagram app.

What Exactly is Threads?

Threads is a secondary app that works in conjunction with Instagram. Once downloaded, it pulls your list of Close Friends from Instagram and allows you to message just those select people in the Threads app. This keeps the communication separate from Instagram's main feed of comments and messages.

Some key features of Threads include:

• Status Updates - You can share quick status updates with your Close Friends list
• Automatic Status - The app can automatically update your status based on location, battery life, movement and more
• Replies - Friends can react to statuses or send a quick text reply
• Customization - You can customize who sees your automatic updates and when they're posted

Overall, it provides an easy way to share casual and personal updates without cluttering up your main Instagram feed. Threads also removes some of the social pressure associated with posting publicly on Instagram.

Why Did Instagram Create Threads?

There's a few key reasons why Instagram launched Threads as a companion messaging app:

1. Shift Towards Privacy - Recently, social media has been moving away from public sharing and towards more private, intimate communication with closer circles. Threads is Instagram's solution for facilitating close friend communication.
2. Direct Competition - Platforms like Snapchat pioneered private messaging with stories and updates. Threads is Instagram's answer to that model of sharing.
3. Personal Connection - With decreasing organic reach and a movement towards conversational commerce, Threads allows influencers and everyday users alike to foster better personal connections.
4. Direct Messaging - Messaging apps are hugely popular. By integrating messaging capabilities, Instagram hopes to capitalize and consolidate communication.

How Do You Join Threads?

Getting started on Threads is a quick and straightforward process:

1. Download the Threads app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store
2. Log into Threads using your Instagram login details
3. The app will sync to pull your designated Close Friends list from Instagram
4. You can then start sharing status updates, photos, locations and more!

It's important to note that you need an existing Instagram account to use Threads. So if you haven't already, you'll want to sign-up for Instagram first before downloading the app.

What Does The Number on Threads Mean?

When you first open Threads, you'll notice a percentage shown under your profile icon. This number represents how many of your Close Friends on Instagram are actively using Threads.

So if you have 50 Close Friends, but only 10 of them have downloaded Threads themselves, you would see "20%" displayed on your Threads app.

As more of your friends join Threads, that percentage will climb higher to 50%, 75% etc. It's intended to show how many of conversations and updates will be seen by friends versus sent out into the void.

You can tap on that percentage to view a full list of which Close Friends are actively using Threads. That way you know specifically who your messages and statuses are being seen by.

Key Benefits of Threads

There's some clear positives that come with Threads for both average users and influencers:

• Foster Connections - By facilitating more frequent, casual communication in a private environment, bonds strengthen between closer friends.
• Share Real Moments - Small, personal moments can be shared without worrying about public judgement or self-consciousness.
• Drive Engagement - Consistent messaging keeps you top of mind for your closest fans and boosts engagement rates.
• Understand Interests - Seeing what posts get replies or reactions provides insight into what your audience likes.

While Threads still faces fierce competition from other messaging apps, its tight integration with Instagram provides a unique advantage. Particularly for influencers looking to enhance engagement without relying solely on Instagram's feed algorithm.

Is Threads Right for You?

At the end of the day, Threads will provide the most value to Instagram users who:

1. Actively communicate with Close Friends
2. Want a space for casual sharing without self-consciousness
3. Desire stronger connections with top fans and followers
4. Care about frequent engagement and conversations

Casual users who don't actively engage on Instagram probably won't get much benefit. But influencers, brands, entrepreneurs, close friends and online creators can all derive real value.

It's one more way to break through the noise on Instagram and actually connect directly with your audience.

FAQs

What devices support Threads?

Threads is available as a free download from both the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices.

Do I need an Instagram account?

Yes, you need an existing Instagram account to use Threads. It pulls your Close Friends list directly from Instagram when you log in.

Can I delete a status update?

Yes! Tap and hold on any status update and an option will appear to delete it. You can remove any status updates you've shared within the last 48 hours.

Is Threads truly private?

While not 100% private, Threads is significantly more private and secure than posting content publicly to your Instagram feed that anyone can see.