Keeping up with social media can sometimes be challenging. Every day there’s a new trend, a news story that goes viral in minutes, or an update that forces us to do things differently. Here’s an example to make it clearer: Threads, a new initiative from Meta, the company owned by Mark Zuckerberg. We’re talking about an application linked to Instagram that launched in 2023 and positioned itself as a strong competitor to Twitter (currently known as X). Since then, users have had several questions: How does Threads work? What makes it different from Twitter? What’s next for this platform? If you’ve been wondering the same, keep reading—we’ve got the answers.
The name Threads is no coincidence. It’s a term commonly used in computer programming that refers to the smallest unit of execution within a program. Programs can have multiple threads running simultaneously—known as multithreading—which allows different parts of a program to run independently.
This very idea of interconnected yet independently functioning threads is what defines Threads. It’s a microblogging application where users can share real-time posts of up to 500 characters, along with links, up to 10 images, or videos lasting up to five minutes. The social network was first launched in July 2023 and debuted in the European Union on December 14.
A fun fact: the first version of Threads became the fastest application ever to reach over 1 million users—it took just one hour. Moreover, within the first seven hours, it surpassed 10 million active users.
The first thing you need to know is that Threads is linked to Instagram, meaning you can log in using your Instagram account without registering again. On the other hand, if you’ve used Twitter, Threads will likely feel familiar.
As mentioned before, the platform allows posts of up to 500 characters, and you can add images or videos. You can also reply to, share, or quote other users’ posts. It features a news feed displaying content from accounts suggested by the algorithm as well as those you follow. And yes—it includes a search bar and a notifications tab.
Since it’s connected to Instagram, your followers there will also follow you on Threads if they have the app installed. Another standout feature is how easily you can share your posts to your Instagram Stories with just a few taps, enhancing that “metaverse” feeling and increasing interaction between both platforms.
The main promise of Threads for the future is to become a decentralized social network by adopting the ActivityPub protocol and integrating into the Fediverse alongside Mastodon. This means there won’t be a single central server—users from other platforms will be able to interact without needing to register on Threads.
It also aims to be an open, friendly space where audiences can discuss trending and relevant topics, or follow and connect with content creators and public figures. At the same time, Threads intends to be compatible with multiple applications without restrictions, potentially attracting creators who want to start fresh with their follower count.
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