Instagram is one of the most successful social media platforms at the moment, and it would be foolish not to capitalize on it, wouldn’t you agree? Well, Mark Zuckerberg certainly thinks so, for he’s recently launched an app called Threads from Instagram.
In just five days, more than 100 million users signed up on the platform; it’s safe to say that it has officially taken off. If we were to describe Threads in one phrase, we’d have to go with an uncanny resemblance to Twitter.
It’s no surprise that Instagram replicates the most famous features of other platforms, like Snapchat Stories and TikTok FYP. This time, the platform took it a bit further by mimicking the format of Twitter and naming the result Threads.
Anyhow, the controversies around Twitter and Threads are the concerns of those directly affected by it, isn’t it? We’re concerned about letting you know the top 7 things you must know before signing up on Threads from Instagram!
Deleting Threads account ≠ deleting Instagram account
First, will you have to delete your Instagram account to delete your Threads account? The answer is no, absolutely not. These are all rumors, and it’s not that indigestible when you realize it’s been less than two weeks since the platform was launched; there will certainly be rumors.
Is there any truth to these rumors? Well, they are based on a truth that has been exaggerated to a point far beyond recognition. However, don’t worry. We’re here to help you, and that’s what we’ll do.
So, let’s get to the facts: how can you delete a Threads account? Well, you technically cannot delete a Threads account, but you can deactivate it indefinitely. To delete a Threads account from the ground up, you must delete your Instagram account.
But the point is, you don’t have to delete your Threads account. Deactivating it indefinitely will have the same effect, so you don’t need to worry about that.
Here’s how to deactivate your newly-minted Threads account:
Step 1: Open the Threads app on your smartphone. The first page you’ll be taken to is the Home page.
Step 2: Locate and tap on the profile icon, which is located at the screen’s bottom right.
Step 3: This will bring you over to Your Profile. Tap on the hamburger-like icon at the top right beside the Instagram icon.
Step 4: On the Settings page, tap on Account. On the next screen, you’ll see two options at the top; select Deactivate profile.
Step 5: Now, you’ll be explained how the deactivation of your Thread account works. Tap on the black Deactivate Threads profile button, and that’s it!
You can share a Thread to your Instagram story!
Now, let’s move on to the next interesting feature on Threads: sharing threads on your Instagram story! It sounds exciting, but it’s nothing compared to how fun it is!
We know, we know. It’s not particularly unique because you can simply share screenshots of whatever you want on your story. However, you must agree that sharing a thread is a different feeling altogether.
It’s like comparing a copy of your diploma to the one you get at graduation. Threads gives off an impression of an official, elegant, cool vibe, whereas Twitter screenshots generally seem try-hard.
Moreover, it also has cool, reel-like threads flowing around in the background. So, if we’ve convinced you to at least try out sharing Threads to your Instagram story, we’re happy for you!
Here’s how to share Threads to your Instagram story:
Step 1: Open the Threads app on your smartphone.
Step 2: At the bottom of the first page that opens, you’ll see five icons. Tap on the second one from the left, which is a magnifying glass icon.
Step 3: This will bring you over to the Search page. Enter the user’s name whose thread you wish to share to your Instagram story.
Step 4: On their profile, tap on the thread you wish to share.
Step 5: Tap on the airplane icon (Share) at the bottom of the thread. Next, select Add to Story.
Step 6: That’s about all you’ve got to do. Now all that’s left is to make your modifications and personal effects and add them to your story!
However, the process is a little different if you wish to share your thread to your story. Instead of going to the Search page, you must head to Your Profile, select the thread you like, and follow the same process.
Invite and follow your Instagram friends to start the party!
For most people, the best thing about social media platforms is connecting with friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances online, right? Well, if you happen to be one of those people, Threads from Instagram has helped you with some of your next steps.
After signing up, the next thing you’d like to do is add your friends. But instead of looking up your friends on Instagram, and then on Threads, and then adding them manually, we’ve got something better.
Threads has a feature that allows you to Follow and invite friends from Instagram! Isn’t that such a fun prospect? If you’ve been looking for a way to add your friends without going through all that hassle, here’s your way out!
Here’s how to follow accounts from Instagram on Threads:
Step 1: Open the Threads app on your mobile device and head to Your Profile.
Step 2: Now, go to your Settings page by tapping on the hamburger icon at the top right, and tap on the first option there.
Step 3: Again, select the first option called Follow Accounts from Instagram. Here, you’ll see a list of the users in your network on Instagram who may or may not have signed up on Threads.
Step 4: You can tap the Follow button next to them, and that’s it! If they haven’t signed up on the platform yet, the request will remain pending if they do.
You can customize your Threads experience to your liking
One of the things we all appreciate is being able to tailor a platform’s settings to our liking. After all, who doesn’t like to do things their way? Well, Instagram has always understood this concept, so naturally, it has also carried over to Threads, as it is an app from Instagram.
Notifications are tricky; while they’re useful and help us stay on top of what’s happening in our network, they can also be distracting and disruptive at times. If you hate notifications with a passion, don’t worry; you’re far from the only one to do so.
Thankfully, Threads allows users to customize their notifications to only receive the news they care about!
Here’s how to change your notification settings on Threads:
Step 1: Open the Threads app and go straight to Your Profile.
Step 2: Now, tap the hamburger icon at the top right to go to your Settings. There, select Notifications.
Step 3: You have three options: Pause all, Threads and replies, and Following and followers. You can customize the last two options by tapping the arrows next to them.
Don’t let everyone reply to your threads!
We understand that many internet users are there for one reason only: socialization. Still, users who only want to watch what’s happening from the sidelines are increasing in number, too. If you’re one of them, we’re happy for you, so much so that we’re here with a gift for you!
Isn’t it so annoying when you post something on Instagram and someone you don’t like comments on it? You know you have to respond because social etiquette dictates it, but at the same time, you don’t want to go through this unnecessary piece of engagement.
Well, if you have, let’s all thank the Turn off commenting feature on Instagram, which has saved us from uncountable such experiences. However, the same feature isn’t available on Threads; instead of copying Instagram in this regard, they’ve gone Twitter’s way.
So, although you cannot turn off thread replies entirely, you can limit them to your network. While it might feel useless, it’s still better than receiving engagement from all over the internet, won’t you agree?
Here’s how to limit replies on Threads:
Step 1: Launch the Threads app and go straight to the icon in the middle, which is the option to create a New Thread.
Step 2: Enter whatever content has entered your mind, and then tap on the Anyone can reply option right above your keyboard.
Step 3: From the options that appear, you can choose to let only the Profiles you follow or those Mentioned only on the Thread reply.
Step 4: Now, tap on that blue Post button adjacent to the Anyone can Reply feature, and that’s it!
Your Threads account settings don’t have to match Instagram
Account privacy settings are a very important part of our overall experience on a social media platform. It affects who we talk to, the content we see, and the people who can engage with us. It’s quite understandable for you to want to be able to choose your account settings.
Moreover, Threads from Instagram and Instagram are also very different platforms; they have different designs and purposes. You might want to have a public account on Instagram and a private one on Threads.
If you wish to do so, thankfully, it’s possible! While not many users expected this, Threads does offer the option to create a private or public account, regardless of your choice on Instagram.
Here’s how to change your account privacy settings on Threads:
Step 1: Once again, head to Settings on the Threads app.
Step 2: Now, select Privacy from the available options.
Step 3: On the next page, the first option you’ll see is Private profile, with a toggle button next to it. If it is turned off, just tap on it, and you have your Private Threads profile!
Take your breaks according to your customized timings
While Threads has most of the basic features you’d expect from a platform released by Meta in association with Instagram, it might still surprise you. For example, it also has the option to be able to get notifications to take breaks every 10, 20, or 30 minutes on the platform.
If there’s one thing that people are rapidly becoming increasingly aware of today, it’s mental health. From depression to addiction and everything in between, knowledge is here for anyone who wants help.
Social media platforms can often encourage issues such as anxiety, eating disorders, and social media addictions. If you or someone close to you has suffered from these issues, you’re personally aware of how difficult it can be.
While this feature in itself is no big deal, it’s the thought that counts. Today, it might be break notifications, but tomorrow, it’s possible that we’ll get to see something that can make a difference. Baby steps, right?
In order to activate this feature, go to the Account page and select Take a Break. Choose how far apart you want these notifications to be, and you’re all set.
Looks like Threads is here to stay!
From everything we’ve discussed in this blog and seen on the platform itself, it does look like the app is here to stay. Sure, Threads mimics certain aspects of Twitter and has borrowed a lot from Instagram, but it still proves to be a highly engaging platform.
So, you have the rare chance to join something in the beginning and grow with the platform. Sure, you can have fun with friends, but this is still something that could potentially get you where you want to be; the possibilities are endless!
Which Threads from Instagram tips and tricks did we miss in our blog today? Let us know in the comments below!