Within four days of launching, the latest social media app, Threads, accrued 98 million new users — among them some of the world’s biggest celebs. Even late-arrivals to Instagram have been quick to jump on Threads (*cough* Jennifer Aniston), arguably boding well for the app’s rivalry with Twitter.
But, what does it all mean? As with any new platform launch, the purpose and user guide are a little vague.
If you’re wondering who to follow and what to post on this new network, we’ve got you covered.
What Is Threads?
Threads is an app created by Meta — the Mark Zuckerberg-founded tech conglomerate behind Facebook and Instagram.
Threads is essentially Meta’s answer to Twitter: both being text-based social media networks with an infinite feed of separate conversations (plus photo and video).
Zuckerberg explained on his own Threads account:
“The vision for Threads is to create an open and friendly public space for conversation. We hope to take what Instagram does best and create a ew experience around text, ideas, and discussing what’s on your mind.”
How Do I Use Threads?
Threads is, at present, linked to your Instagram account. You login via Instagram and many of the app’s existing features (including follower lists, verified checks and safety features) are carried over to Threads.
As for how you post… Well, that’s up to you. However, the Threads community is already pretty discerning. They are here for humour, wit and s**t-posting only. Keep your earnest thoughts, your elaborate hot takes and your political discussions on a separate app, please and thank you.
There is also a tiny restriction on who can use Threads.
While, of course, those who violate Instagram’s safety guidelines will no-doubt see similar consequences, there is also an age limit for Threads. At present, people under 16 — or 18 in some jurisdictions — can sign up to the app, but will be defaulted to a private profile.
Is There A Character Limit On Threads?
Yes — the word count is 500 characters long, plus links, images and videos up to five minutes long.
Which Celebs Are On Threads (And What Are They Posting?)
Given the ease with which you can sign up, it seems a lot of celebs have already jumped on the Threads bandwagon, dragging their Instagram followers along with them.
If you signed up to the platform and immediately saw Paris Hilton, you wouldn’t be alone. The heiress/model/TV star/entrepreneur/DJ has been going hard on the platform, posting about her new dog and championing her catchphrase ‘sliving’ (a portmanteau of ‘slaying’ and ‘living’).
Meanwhile, other celebs, like Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow, have dipped their toe in the water with simple ‘Hi’ posts. (Come on, guys!)
Jennifer Lopez and Reese Witherspoon, on the other hand, are giving it a red-hot go (although neither seem to quite have the vibe right yet).
Celebs On Threads (and their follow count at present):
- Kim Kardashian: 4.3m (hasn’t posted yet)
- Selena Gomez: 4.1m
- Shakira: 3.4m
- Jennifer Lopez: 3.2m
- Miley Cyrus: 1.9m (hasn’t posted yet)
- Jennifer Aniston: 1.6m
- Paris Hilton: 1m
- Demi Lovato: 929k
- Lily Collins: 871k
- Reese Witherspoon: 342k
- Gwyneth Paltrow: 272k
Notably absent are some of the world’s biggest pop stars, including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Rihanna.
Given her popularity on Twitter, fans are no-doubt keen for RiRi to enter the Thread…
How Do I Control What Is On My Threads Feed?
The Threads main feed is a mix of who you follow and recommended content (which is pleasantly ad-free… for now).
When you sign up, there is an option to import your following list from your Instagram. If you opt out of this, you can choose who to follow manually. If you opt into this, you can always roll-back who’s on your feed by ‘muting’ them.
As with all feeds, it may take a while to curate it exactly to your taking. As with all Meta’s platforms, little is known about the algorithm thus far.
What Threads Verb Do I Use?
Did you Thread today? I was up all night Threading? Jennifer Aniston Threaded me? Which is right?
A new platform comes with a whole new vernacular. Naturally, like a ‘Tweet’, a post is known as a ‘thread’. But what about everything else?
Meta shared its own ‘Threads Dictionary‘ to Instagram, explaining terms like ‘post’, ‘reply’, ‘quote’ etc. (Hint: they all mean exactly what you think they do.)
However, folks are haphazardly slang-ifying Threads, making us wonder if we’re using the term right. Given the early-era chaos at our fingertips, Threads, for now, is still a make-your-own-journey kind of platform. We’re sure the right verbs will reveal themselves with time…
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