Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, recently released a new app called Threads. This app is a text-based conversation platform that can serve as an alternative to Twitter. If you’re interested in trying Threads and are an Instagram user, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you join and use the app.
Join Instagram if you don’t have an account
Thread is a feature that is only accessible to those who have an Instagram account. It is directly linked to your Instagram profile. In case you do not have an Instagram account but would like to use Threads, you can go to the Instagram website and select the Sign-Up option. Provide your name, email address, and password on the next page, then click Sign up. Complete the process by adding your birthday and confirming your account through a code sent to your phone. Congratulations, you’re now set up with Instagram.
Sign in to the Threads app
To post and respond to specific account posts on Threads, you can only use the mobile app. You can view these posts on the Threads website. To get started, download the Threads app on the Apple App Store for iphone operating sysytem or Google Play for Android.. Once you have launched the app on your device, you can tap on your Instagram account name if it is already shown at the bottom of the initial screen. If not, select the login with Instagram option and enter your account credentials. You can also choose to save your login information for future use.
Create your profile
Upon signing in, you’ll be taken to the Profile screen. Confirm your name, write a bio, and optionally add a link to a website. If you already have this information on your Instagram account and want to import it to Threads, tap the Import from Instagram button. Otherwise, manually enter the details.
Choose your privacy settings
The Privacy screen allows you to determine whether you want your profile to be public or private. A public profile allows anyone to see, share, and interact with your content, while a private profile restricts access to only approved followers. Select your preferred profile type and tap Next.
Select the accounts to follow
On the following screen, you’ll be asked to choose the Instagram accounts you want to follow on Threads. Review the list of accounts and tap the Follow button for any you wish to include. Note that these accounts must also be part of Threads. To follow all available accounts, tap the Follow All button. If an account is already active on Threads, it will display a Following button, while an account that hasn’t joined yet will show a Cancel button. Once you’re satisfied with your selections, tap Next.
Join and view the main feed
The next screen provides an overview of how Threads works. Read through the information and click the Join Threads button to proceed. This action takes you to the main feed of Threads.
View the main feed
Once you’re in the main feed, swipe down the screen to view the posts from the accounts you follow. Similar to Twitter, you’ll see posts from these accounts as well as reposts from other accounts.
Respond to a post
If you come across a post you’d like to engage with, Threads offers several response options. Tap the heart icon to indicate that you like the post. To reply to the post, tap the Reply icon and type your response. You can also report or quote the post by tapping the respective icon. Additionally, you can choose to add the post to your Instagram story or feed, post it on Twitter, copy the link, or share it through other apps or services by tapping the fourth icon.
Find accounts to follow
To discover more accounts to follow, tap the Search icon. Threads will suggest accounts that may interest you. If you’re specifically looking for accounts related to a particular topic or name, type a word or term in the search field, and Threads will display matching accounts. Tap the Follow button to follow any of them.
Check your activity
To view your followers, replies, mentions, and other activity, tap the heart icon located at the bottom of the screen. The All tab displays your current followers and any private accounts you’ve requested to follow. Remember that private accounts require approval from the account owner. Tap the Follow button to follow someone who is already following you. Use the other tabs to explore your replies, mentions, and verified status.
Submit a post
To contribute your own post to Threads, tap the New Thread icon at the bottom of the screen. Type your post in the provided field. If you want to attach a photo or video, tap the paper clip icon and select the desired item. Once you’re ready, tap the Post button. Your post will appear on your feed and the feeds of your followers. Users on Threads can then like, reply to, repost, quote, or share your post.
Review your profile
To access your profile, simply tap the profile icon located at the bottom of the screen. From here, you can view all the posts and replies you’ve submitted, as well as edit and share your profile details. Additionally, you can adjust your privacy settings by using the globe icon at the top. If you wish to view your Instagram posts and profile, simply tap the Instagram icon.
Review your settings
Tap the settings icon at the top of the profile screen to access the settings menu. Here, you can invite friends to Threads via other apps and services, manage your notifications, adjust your privacy settings, review your account options, and find helpful information related to Threads.
Access Threads on the website
Although it requires some manual effort, you can access specific Threads accounts and read their posts through the Threads website. Visit the Threads website by typing “https://www.threads.net/” in your web browser’s address bar. To view the posts of a specific account, append the “@” symbol and the account name to the address. For example, to view my posts, type “https://www.threads.net/@lancepwhit.” You can switch between threads and replies posted by the selected account.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to join and make the most of Meta’s Threads app, exploring its features and engaging with other users.
