What Is Threads on Instagram?
Threads on Instagram is a social media app that lets people share quick updates and join conversations. If you’ve seen friends posting short messages or talking about “Threads,” you might be curious. Let’s explain what it is and why people are using it.
The Basics of Threads on Instagram
Threads is a text-based app created by Instagram (which is owned by Meta, the company behind Facebook). It’s designed for sharing thoughts, news and updates in real time, like a mix of Twitter and Instagram. When Threads launched in 2023, it quickly became popular because it connects to your Instagram account. This means you can follow the same people and keep your username.
In 2024, Threads added new features like longer posts, polls and themed communities. But the big difference between Threads and other apps is how closely it ties to Instagram. For example, if you post a photo on Instagram, you can easily share it to Threads too!
How Did Threads Start?
Threads was announced in mid-2023 as a response to changes on other social media platforms. Instagram wanted to create a space for real-time conversations without distractions like heavy ads or complicated algorithms. At first, Threads was pretty simple: just text, photos and short videos. But by 2024, it grew into a bigger platform with millions of users.
One reason Threads became popular is that Instagram users could join instantly. If you already had an Instagram account, you didn’t need to sign up again. This made it super easy for people to try it out.
How Does Threads Work?
Threads looks a lot like Instagram but focuses on text. When you open the app, you’ll see a feed of posts from people you follow. You can post messages up to 500 characters long (as of 2024), add photos, or even start a poll.
Here’s how it’s connected to Instagram:
- Your Instagram username carries over to Threads.
- You can share Threads posts directly to Instagram Stories.
- If you block someone on Instagram, they’re blocked on Threads too.
Another cool feature is “Communities.” In 2024, Threads let users join groups based on interests like gaming, sports or art. Each community has its own feed, so you can talk about specific topics without getting lost in a busy timeline.
Why Are People Using Threads?
Threads is popular for a few reasons:
- It’s easy to use, especially if you already have Instagram.
- People use it to chat about events as they happen, like sports games or TV show finales.
- Threads has stricter rules against hate speech compared to some apps, so users say it feels safer.
In 2025, Threads also introduced a “Trending Topics” section, which shows what people are talking about worldwide. This helped it compete with apps like X (formerly Twitter).
What’s New in Threads (2024-2025)?
Over the last two years, Threads added big updates:
- You can send short audio clips in posts or messages.
- Users can now write mini-essays (up to 2,500 characters) for deeper discussions.
- You can create feeds that only show posts from friends, communities, or topics you pick.
How Can You Join Threads?
Joining Threads is simple if you have Instagram:
- Download the Threads app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Log in with your Instagram account.
- Customize your profile and start posting!
If you don’t have Instagram, you’ll need to create an account first.
FAQs
Is Threads just a copy of Twitter?
No, Threads has features tied to Instagram, like photo sharing and Stories. It also focuses more on positive conversations.
Can I use Threads without Instagram?
No, you need an Instagram account to sign up for Threads.
Are there ads on Threads?
As of 2025, Threads shows a few ads, but they’re less frequent than on Instagram or Facebook.
