Threads: 5 questions about Instagram’s Twitter-clone answered for you

Threads, the latest social media app, debuted this week. And just one day in, it has seen more than 30 million downloads worldwide – a number fast rising at the time of filing this story. The new platform, linked to Instagram, is Meta’s attempt to thwart Twitter’s dominance. If you’ve been wondering what all the fuss is about and have certain questions, we are here to answer them.

How do I start using Threads?

Threads is a text-based platform linked to Instagram, available to download on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Once you’ve downloaded the app, all you have to do is log in with your Instagram credentials, and follow your friends, colleagues and family alike, whom you follow on Instagram. Not just that. Threads also imports your username, your bio and settings, and even your block list.

ALSO READ: Instagram Threads First Impressions: What makes this Twitter-clone different

What features does Threads have?

Threads has a 500-character limit, compared to Twitter’s 280. It also has support for images, short videos and GIFs, with a limit of up to 10 per post. However, there are a few things Twitter has which Threads lacks as of now.

These include support for long videos, direct messages, and live audio rooms. Furthermore, being in its nascent stages, Threads also doesn’t have a browser version, in-line translations, and hashtags among others.

Does Threads have a timeline?

As of now, Thread doesn’t support a specialised feed which only shows posts from accounts that you follow. It shows a mix of posts from both, followed accounts, as well as recommended ones.

How do I create a Threads post?

After creating your Threads profile, click on the new thread button on the bottom in the centre, write your post, and attach the pictures and videos you may want to. If you’d like to break your post into smaller parts, you can ‘Add to Thread’.

Furthermore, at the bottom of the new thread window, you will also see an option which lets you select who you want to be able to respond to your threads – all your followers, or the profiles you follow back, or only those profiles you mention in the post.

Can I delete my Threads account?

Certain social media platforms may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and Threads may not be yours. However, while you can deactivate, and subsequently re-activate your Threads account at any point in time, to delete your Threads account unfortunately, you will have to delete your Instagram account as well, owing to Meta’s Supplemental Privacy Policy.