Have you joined Instagram Threads yet? The app is here and it is ready to challenge Twitter. Will it win? If you haven’t heard of Threads yet, it is a text-based app similar to Twitter. It easily goes hand-in-hand with Instagram so you can seamlessly switch back and forth between apps. If you’re ready to get started on Threads but want some advice on a solid strategy, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s what you need to know before you post on Threads.
Threads vs. Twitter
My first reaction to Threads is that it is super fun and easy to grow right now. With fewer people on the app, you have less competition to grow your account. While Threads is very much like Twitter, it does have some key differences to be aware of.
As I said, Threads is connected to Instagram, so that alone will make this app really successful. As of right now, you can type “Threads” in Instagram’s search bar and a little red ticket will pop up. Once you click on the ticket it will take you to your app store where you can download Threads.
When you set up Threads, you’ll be able to transfer your bio, handle, and links over from Instagram. And a nice bonus is that if you have a blue check on Instagram, that blue check comes with you over to Threads. So, if you’re an active user on Instagram setting up your Threads account is a complete breeze.
There are some things the app does not have yet, but Adam Mosseri said that they are working to add more features soon. Threads does not have a follower feed, hashtags, or dms. That may make it a little more difficult to use the app, but I’m not worried about it because I know these added features are on the way, and in the meantime we can get our hands on the app and see what does and does not work for us.
What to Post on Threads
Your posts are the basis of the app. They are what gets the conversation going and keeps everyone engaging with one another. There is a 500-character limit per post. You can post a video that lasts no longer than 5 minutes. And you can also include pictures and links in your posts.
Mark Zuckerberg said the whole goal of Threads is to start a conversation. With this being the goal, let’s make posts that do just that. Ask questions that help you get to know your audience.
But before you post, take about 30 minutes or so to get a feel for Threads. What’s the energy you feel among the users? What accounts do you like and why? What questions are getting good feedback? Doing this research from the get-go will help you figure out how you want to show up on Threads.
Also, something to be aware of is that Threads has an algorithm that may cause random posts to show up on your feed of people you don’t follow. Threads is just trying to figure out who you are and what type of content you like to see, which is very similar to Instagram’s algorithm.
When you react (like, comment, share) to certain posts, that is a clue to Threads on the type of content you like to see. So be intentional about the content you are engaging with and searching for and that will be the content that pops up on your feed.
Threads Post Ideas
Idea #1: Think of your niche and then call out for those same people. That could look something like “Calling all (enter your niche)!” And then introduce yourself and then ask them to do the same.
Idea #2: Are there any industry news or updates connected to your niche that you could add your dialogue to? Share your thoughts and then ask people their thoughts on it too.
Idea #3: Post a GIF that you think would get a lot of reaction and engagement.
Try any one of these ideas and see what kind of feedback you get on it. The nice thing about posting right now is that no one is an expert on Threads. Everyone is new and they are all trying to get a feel for what works and what doesn’t. So have fun and try different strategies and see what your people respond well to.
What You Need to Know Before You Post on Threads
Alright, those are the basics for what you need to know before you post on Threads. I’d love to know your thoughts or if you have any questions, send me a dm over on Instagram. You can find me @iammichellegifford. Plus, you’ll want to check out my Threads tutorial HERE where I go into way more detail on how to set up and use the app for your business.
You said...