Instagram’s new Threads app: should I be utilising this for my business?
You’re feeling confident on Instagram, you’re giving TikTok a go, and then BAM – Instagram launches its new Threads app. Once again, there’s another new social platform to consider for your business.
It’s the fastest-growing social media platform of all time and is all anyone is currently talking about in the social media space, but what is it?
Essentially, you could refer to Threads as Meta’s competitor to Twitter. It’s no secret people have been very vocal in expressing their issues with Twitter recently, so they’ve got a good opportunity here.
Meta’s (that’s the company behind Facebook and Instagram) Mark Zuckerberg has called the new app “an open and friendly public space for conversations that takes the best parts of the Instagram experience and creates a whole new app around text, ideas and sharing what’s on your mind”.
So, how does the Threads App compare to existing social media platforms (and the question you really want to know – will it really delete your Instagram account?!)?
How does Threads work?
Threads is powered by Instagram, using your information to personalise ads and other experiences across both platforms. Your followers will come across from Instagram. This also means that if you have blocked or restricted someone on Instagram, that status will be the same on your Threads account.
To create a Threads account, you do need an Instagram account to begin with. So, if you’re not up on the Insta game, you’ll need to sign up before you can join in on any Threads conversations.
Originally there was a lot of talk around how you couldn’t delete your Threads account without deleting your Instagram – which caused many to think twice before downloading it.
Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri posted his own Threads post explaining the reason behind this was because Threads is linked to Instagram.
But, if you really aren’t loving it, you can deactivate your Threads account which hides your profile and content without deleting your Instagram.
How to use the Threads app for your business
After processing all this new information about another platform, you may begin to wonder how (and if) you are meant to use the app for your business.
At this stage, your Threads social media strategy is to just get on there. Try focusing on education, entertainment, and engagement with your community that you have built on Instagram.
While the platform is still new, you may be able to find that you can get more exposure by engaging with your target audience where comments aren’t over-saturated yet. So, get typing!
Naturally, there is an opportunity to learn when exploring a new social media platform. We recommend taking the time to investigate the Threads app and experiment with content. This presents a great opportunity for your account to connect with your community and learn about the app altogether.
Get to know the interface and how to use the app – the more you use it, the more you will discover what works for you, and what doesn’t. The app is new, so nobody really knows the full potential of it just yet. Not even Meta themselves!
Currently, we can’t see how many times Threads have been reposted and shared. So, we are relying on replies and likes to see how well content is performing.
For now, we suggest that you don’t overthink it. Set up your Threads account, post what you think is relevant to your audience and engage with like-minded brands – there really is no right or wrong.
And hey, we are always here to help if you need advice on how to implement your social media plan of attack!
Check out our range of services to find out how
Threads vs Twitter
The interface of the Threads app is very similar to Twitter. The content for both ranges from text alone to images and videos.
So far we have seen a cease-and-desist from Twitter expressing concerns that Threads have engaged in unlawful misappropriation of Twitter’s trade secrets, intellectual property and confidential information.
Twitter has claimed that Meta has hired former Twitter employees in the development of Threads, but Meta has said this is not true.
While we don’t know what will come of this yet, we can cover some of the comparisons between the two:
- Threads is currently only available as an app, so you can’t access it in the same way you can with Twitter. We can only assume this will be something they change in the future.
- Threads doesn’t have a personalised chronological feed just yet. User feeds consist of content from accounts they follow and suggested content. There have, however, been reports that Threads will bring in a chronological feed option in the future.
- With Threads you can easily import all your Instagram contacts over, meaning you can potentially start off with a substantial following before posting or interacting at all. If you were to start a Twitter account today, you wouldn’t have this capability.
- An important thing to note is the Threads app doesn’t use #hashtags. While some are led to believe this creates difficulty in reaching their audience, it can also work well to position brands as more authentic where users find you organically and via word of mouth.
- When posting on Twitter, standard users are limited to a 280-character Tweet. The Threads app, however, allows up to 500 characters.
- While users often use Twitter to discover hard-news content and political updates, the Threads app will focus on hosting communities centred around sports, music, fashion, entertainment and more.
So yes, Threads and Twitter have many similarities, and this is just touching the surface.
But as the Threads app has only been around a week, we expect to see changes and updates made as it continues to develop and Meta gains more feedback on the app.
Who knows where it will go?! It’s definitely safe to say that there’s a new kid on the block, giving Twitter a run for its money.
A helping hand with social media
What are your thoughts on the all-new Threads app? Why not check it out and see what team TMGP are up to?!
Overall, the app is a great opportunity to engage with your audience and explore the new platform together. You won’t know until you try.
