You may have heard of something called Instagram Threads that is taking the internet by storm.
And you may have even downloaded it yourself but not quite sure on how to work it.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the man behind the app, is boasting that more than 10 million people have already signed up since the service opened to the public at midnight - and more is expected.
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But what is Threads and how do you use it? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Instagram Threads?
Threads is a new app that has just launched thanks to the team behind Instagram. It is similar to Twitter with users being able to share updates, pictures and videos just as they would do on Twitter with people being able to reply, share.
You log in using your Instagram account and posts can be up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length.
According to Instagram, "Threads offers a new, separate space for real-time updates and public conversations."
How much does it cost to use Instagram Threads?
You can download the app for free and it doesn't cost you anything. The app is separate from Instagram and users will have to download the app should they wish to use it.
Who can use Instagram Threads?
Everyone who is under 16 (or under 18 in certain countries) will be defaulted into a private profile when they join Threads.
How do you use Instagram Threads?
Users can download the app and sign in using their Instagram profile. Upon downloading the Threads app, you will get an option to follow everyone that you follow on Instagram but you can also select specific people.
Just like most social media apps you can add a bio, any links and a picture to complete your profile. You can also choose whether or not you will have a public or private account.
They explain: "Your feed on Threads includes threads posted by people you follow, and recommended content from new creators you haven’t discovered yet. Posts can be up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length. You can easily share a Threads post to your Instagram story, or share your post as a link on any other platform you choose."
Following
You can follow people on Threads just as you would do on any app. If they don't have the app, you can still follow them but it will be marked as pending until they sign up to the app, at which point they’ll be added automatically.
Start a thread
You can start a new thread and choose who can reply to it. You can do so by pressing the icon in the middle of the navbar at the bottom of the app.
Sharing a thread
The arrow/paper aeroplane icon lets you share the post elsewhere such as a direct link or posted to Instagram via a your story.
Reply to a thread
You can add to a discussion by replying to others. Your reply will appear in the thread and on your profile, where people will be able to reply to it. Note that you may not be able to see all of the replies to you (e.g. if someone with a private profile replies to you and you don't follow them).
Who can see your posts is determined by your profile's privacy setting. You can also like, share or repost a thread.
You can find out more about Threads on Instagram's website.
