It’s been over 24 hours since Mark Zuckerberg’s text-based app, Threads, went live, and that’s enough time to see what the app is really about.
Is it worth the hype? Should you completely port from Twitter? What are the perks? In no particular order, let’s get into it.
No DMs
A win for Twitter here. However, knowing Zuckerberg, he’s probably developing a different messenger app for Threads, just like he did for Facebook.
You need an IG account
At the moment, there’s no option to create an account when you launch the app. You can only log in with an existing Instagram account.
Picture/video quality
You don’t have to worry about the quality of your JPEGs or videos. The app retains original quality after uploading media.
Share threads to your IG story/feed
You can share your posts from the Threads app to your Instagram feed or story. However, when you share to your story, the link is not clickable.
Share threads to Twitter
The app also allows you to share Threads to your Twitter timeline. Interesting.
No hashtags yet
The hashtag feature isn’t functional on the app at the moment. There’s also no trend table to keep tab of trending topics.
Follower count
Threads does not show the number of people you’re following but shows the number of followers you have.
No Ads
The app is a complete no-ads land right now, but that might change soon, knowing how Meta moves on their other platforms.
Verification
There’s no option to apply for a verification badge at the moment. However, users who are verified on Instagram are automatically verified when they join.
Take breaks
Is Mark trying to say something about social media addiction? Anyway, Threads allows you to take breaks after spending time on the app. You’ll get a reminder to close the app when it’s time to take your break.
Save pictures
There’s no option to save media on the app right now. You can only take screenshots and make screen recordings.
Can’t delete Threads account
Right now, you’ll be deleting your Instagram account if you try to delete your Threads account. However, the app allows you to deactivate your profile.
No edits
Zuckerberg might be pulling an Elon Musk move here and planning to include an edit option in a paid version. Fingers crossed.
500 character limit
This is a significant boost from Twitter’s 280 character limit. Zuckerberg said: Thread away!
Hide like count
Just like Instagram, Threads allows you to hide the like count on your posts.
Hide comments
Threads allows you to hide unwanted comments on your posts from followers and other users on the app.
Follow anyone on Instagram
There’s an icon in the profile section that allows you to follow new people or Threads users on Instagram.
