Paid and Owned Media
How to Use Threads: A Guide for Brands
In the vast landscape of social media platforms, a new contender has emerged, revolutionizing the way we connect and share content. Threads, Meta’s innovative short-form, text-based social platform, has quickly gained traction with its unique features and seamless integration with Instagram. What will this new entrant into the space mean for advertising opportunities? Before we get into that question, let’s start with the basics…
What is Threads?
Threads is Meta’s new short-form, text-based social media platform. It allows individuals to post up to 500 characters or share videos for up to five minutes long. The focal point of the platform is the Home tab, where a single content feed comprises all the posts, aptly called “Threads.” Sign-up is seamlessly integrated with Instagram accounts, enabling a fast and easy onboarding process for users.1 This integration not only facilitates effortless adoption but also broadens Meta’s overall user base. In the “Home tab” feed, users can discover content from people and brands they follow, as well as recommendations curated by Instagram’s algorithm. Impressively, Threads gained a staggering 70 million users within its first 48 hours, already accounting for almost one-sixth of Twitter’s user base.2
Threads vs Twitter: How is Threads Different?
Threads provides an alternative for Twitter users who are increasingly dissatisfied with recent changes in the ecosystem. With the introduction of Twitter Blue, a verified subscription model, and limitations on the number of tweets users can view per day, Twitter has faced growing backlash. In contrast, Threads, along with other alternatives like BlueSky and Mastodon, does not impose paid tiers or post limits. Moreover, Threads outshines its competitors by seamlessly integrating with Instagram, resulting in Threads becoming the most rapidly downloaded app ever.3
How to Use Threads
The Instagram Threads app is extremely easy to use. With an intuitive platform that is like Twitter, there is a limited learning curve. Here’s how to get started:
How to Sign Up for Threads:
Once you download the Threads app, open it, and click “Log in with Instagram” to simply import your Instagram profile information. Finally, you can follow the same accounts you follow on Instagram.
How to Navigate the Threads App:
Within the app you will find a row of icons:
- The home button brings you to your feed.
- Search for specific accounts using the magnifying glass button.
- Create a new thread by clicking the pen-and-paper button. Threads are limited to 500 characters and you can add a photo, video, or GIF by pressing the paper clip icon.
- View your activity using the heart button.
- The profile button takes you to Threads profile.
How to Use Threads for Brands
A new social platform means excitement for how brands can reach their target audience in new, fresh ways. While Threads has no ads to leverage yet 4,5, here’s how Ovative experts advise marketers to start thinking about Threads:
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Seize the Opportunity for Early, Organic Engagement:
Given Threads’ popularity and expected growth, it is likely to introduce monetization strategies in the future. Marketers should take advantage of this early stage and experiment with innovative ways to organically connect with customers, leveraging the platform’s short-form content and engaged user base.
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Keep An Eye on Future Tactics Like Branded Content and Data:
As Threads gains momentum and could become an integral part of Meta’s social media ecosystem, marketers should closely monitor its impact on media performance. While advertising is not yet available on Threads, marketers are paying close attention as user counts continue to skyrocket. In the meantime, it is rumored that Instagram is planning to bring its branded content tools to Threads to signal sponsored posts.⁶ For now, brands should continue to disclose any paid partnerships through texts or hashtags.
With Meta’s first-party data growing, understanding how Threads influences user behavior will be crucial in developing a comprehensive Meta strategy, especially when advertising options become available.
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Take Advantage of Meta’s Growing Social Media Portfolio:
Threads represents a significant development in the trend of social media platform portfolios, like those established by Google and ByteDance. Meta’s diverse range of social platforms allows for strengthened user engagement, data collection, and targeted marketing. Consequently, we anticipate Threads to surpass Twitter in size, solidifying Meta’s position as a leader in the ever-evolving social media landscape.
With its concise yet engaging format, seamless integration with Instagram, and rapid adoption rate, Threads has captured the attention of millions of users worldwide. As marketers, it is crucial to recognize the potential of this emerging platform, experiment with creative engagement strategies, and prepare for future monetization opportunities. Stay ahead of the curve and speak to an Ovative expert about how your brand can integrate future media opportunities into your marketing strategy.
