Threads by Instagram: an ELI5 guide for newbies
If it isn’t “what queue number did you get for Taylor Swift concert tickets?”, the hot goss at the water coolers today has probably been “Eh, are you on Threads yet?”
Millennials – we know what you’re thinking, but Threads does not equal clothes. It is, in fact, a new social media platform by Instagram. No need to panic about falling behind and being called a Boomer; we’re here to decipher it for you, and perhaps offer you reasons to sign up for an account yourself.
Table of Contents
So, what is Threads by Instagram?
The easiest way to explain Threads is to think of Twitter – but with a few more features. Just like the Elon Musk-run platform, Threads lets you post text status updates along with photos, videos, and links.
Image credit: Instagram
As to why it’s called Threads, it comes from the user’s ability to reply to other users’ posts, thereby starting a thread. You can even see the threads those on your following lists are replying and interacting with. Feel free to hop into the thread too, to start a conversation.
Why is everyone joining Threads now?
According to Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, which owns Threads, about 10 million accounts were created in the first 7 hours of the app’s launch.
Since it’s a direct competitor of Twitter, Threads’ trending popularity is likely due to nifty features you can’t find with the blue bird. For one, each post can have up to 500 characters – almost twice that of Twitter’s mere 280.
Image adapted from: Instagram
Plus, your post can include up to 10 pictures and videos of up to 5 minutes long. In comparison, Twitter only allows 4 photos per post and videos are cut after the 1-minute mark.
Image credit: @zulasg via Threads
It’s also probably to Threads’ advantage that the app has come just after puzzling decisions made at Twitter. Just 3 days ago, Elon announced a cap on the number of Tweets you could read a day – 800 for free or unverified users. TweetDeck, a scheduling service that was free, is now also behind a paywall and only accessible by verified users.
Image adapted from: Twitter
Another change that’s pushing Twitter users away is its new algorithm that shows users suggested Tweets on a For You page, similar to what you’ll find on TikTok. Users have complained that these suggested Tweets seem to be pushing for Elon’s agenda. Search up “Threads” on Twitter and you get nothing but spam bots or negative coverage of the new platform. Petty, much?
How do you access Instagram Threads?
Now that you know what it is, here’s how to get started on Threads. It’s as easy as downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Currently, only Instagram account holders are allowed to create an account to use on the new social media app.
Image adapted from: Threads
If you refuse to sign up for an account, you can still scroll through individual accounts on Threads.net on your preferred internet browser.
Set up, done. Now, which Threads accounts should I follow?
Glad you asked. For starters, since your IG account is linked to Threads, you can choose to immediately follow the same people you’re already following. And if you’re looking for more content:
1. What to do & where to go in Singapore – @thesmartlocalsg
Image adapted from: @thesmartlocalsg via Threads
You already know and love our content, so give @thesmartlocalsg a follow. We’ll link you up with the latest things to do in Singapore and even give you a sneak peek at what goes on behind the scenes in our office.
Follow @thesmartlocalsg.
Image adapted from: @thesmartlocalmy & @thesmartlocalth via Threads
If you like what we produce for Singapore, give our regional besties a follow too. @thesmartlocalmy, @thesmartlocalph, and @thesmartlocalth have the lowdown on upcoming events and new places to eat in Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand the next time you’re in their ‘hood.
Follow @thesmartlocalmy, @thesmartlocalph, and @thesmartlocalth.
Feel free to chat us up there – after all, this app is all about starting a conversation.
2. Where & what to eat in Singapore – @eatbooksg
Image adapted from: @eatbooksg via Threads
Those who live to eat should add @eatbooksg to their following list. This account covers new restaurants, cafes, and eateries around Singapore. Plus, you get honest and fair reviews, so you know you won’t be wasting calories on the bad stuff.
Follow @eatbooksg.
3. Female-centric lifestyle content – @zulasg
Image adapted from: @zulasg via Threads
#Girlboss your way through life with @zulasg, which posts updates on female-centric topics. Think periods and sex, new beauty and fashion releases, and maybe how to score those highly-coveted Taylor Swift concert tickets.
Follow @zulasg.
4. Latest news & happenings in Singapore – @mustsharenews
Image adapted from: @mustsharenews via Threads
Keep yourself updated on current affairs and viral news with @mustsharenews. You’ll get the latest headlines with tongue-in-cheek commentary.
Follow @mustsharenews.
5. HDB news & home design inspo – @uchify.sg
Image adapted from: @uchify.sg via Threads
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner who just got their BTO ballot or looking to refurnish or renovate your home, check and follow @uchifysg. Here’s where you’ll get updates on new BTO drops and policies, must-get lifestyle items for your homes, and even how celebs decorate their homes.
Follow @uchify.sg.
6. Deals, promos & things to do around Singapore – @telegramcollective
Image adapted from: @telegramcollective via Threads
The Telegram app isn’t just for cute stickers to spam your friends with. You can join useful Telegram channels and bots that share the latest promos for food, events, and activities around Singapore. If you’re not on Telegram but still want in on the action, give @telegramcollective a follow. You’ll get a curation of all that from 13 Telegram channels.
Follow @telegramcollective.
7. Who else is on Threads?
Chances are, your fave content creators and brands are on Threads, especially if they are on Instagram already. We’ve pulled together this list for you:
- Travel deals and inspiration: @klooksg, @seeksophie
- Food deals: @chopesg
- Shopping promos: @lazada_sg, @shopee_sg
- Money matters: @thewokesalaryman
- Localised humour: @sneakysushii, @yeolo.sg
- Entertainment updates: @netflixsg, @theprojectorsg
Is this the end of Twitter?
Only time will tell. But we do see it as a positive thing that 44 million users have already signed up in the first 24 hours of its launch. And this number is only valid for the 100 countries the app is available in. Once it’s downloadable in the Europe Union, we know those numbers will blow up soon.
Remember when Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg said they’ll engage in a cage fight? That may not happen after all, but this digital war is one worth watching.
In the meantime, give us a follow on Threads. We’ll catch up there.
Find out more about Threads here
Cover image adapted from: @mustsharenews via Threads
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