Threads, an Instagram app, officially launched today, July 6. Meta, the company that owes Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp, responded to Twitter’s questionable rules by releasing its own text-based conversation hub. According to Meta, Threads is designed for “sharing text updates and joining public conversations.”
Threads connects directly to your Instagram account and allows users to post written content up to 500 characters long, which can include links, photos, GIFs, and videos up to five minutes in length. Now that Threads is available for download on both iOS and Android, it’s important to note that an alleged 10 million people — Mashable reports — signed up in its first seven hours.
Now that Threads is live, you might be wondering how to sign up. As always, we’ve got you covered.
Before signing up, it should be taken into consideration that if you sign up for a Threads account and then wish to delete it, Meta will also delete your Instagram with it.
Download the Threads app on the Apple Store or Google Play Store
On iPhone or Android, open the Google Play store or Apple Store on your phone. Search “Threads” (it will say “Threads, an Instagram app”) and hit download. The app is free, so there’s no payment required.
Log in to your Instagram account
Open the Threads app and you’ll be guided on how to connect your Instagram account. You can choose whichever account you desire, should you have multiple.
Create a profile
You’ll be asked to create a profile, with a picture, a bio, and the option to add links (just like Instagram!) You can also import your info from Instagram, if you want to, which automatically transfers your data over.
Choose your privacy settings
Threads will then ask you to choose between public and private profiles. With a public account, anyone on or off Threads can see your content. If private, like Instagram, only approved followers will be able to see your content.
Start following accounts
There’s an option to instantly follow all the accounts on your Instagram, or manually choose. If you follow someone who isn’t on Threads yet, they’ll appear as “pending” until they’ve joined (if they join).
You’re good to go
And you’re all set. Use Threads however you like; scroll through the homepage, upload a video, join some discussions — whatever tickles your fancy!