As an experienced data analyst and social media geek, I couldn‘t wait to get my hands on Threads – Meta‘s new app taking the industry by storm. In this guide just for you, I‘ll provide everything you need to know to create a Threads account from start to finish.
Introducing the Hot New Social Media App: Threads
Threads launched in 2019 as a complementary messaging platform to Instagram. The key goal is to facilitate private, intimate, and automatic sharing between your closest circle of friends.
And it‘s catching on quick – Threads already has over 7 million downloads even though it‘s only available to select Instagram users. Impressive!
Here‘s an overview so you understand exactly what this buzzworthy new app is all about before signup:
Core Features
- Close Friends List – Easily message your "VIP" inner circle
- Active Status – See when Close Friends are actively online
- Automatic Sharing – Share quick location, battery, music, and more
- Instagram Integration – Cross-post Threads content to Instagram feed
User Benefits
- Strengthen connections with best friends
- Give loved ones "VIP Access"
- Prevent oversharing content with strangers
Interested yet? Let‘s get into the step-by-step process of creating your own Threads account.
Step 1: Download the Threads App
Since Threads partnerships exclusively with Instagram at this time, you must first have an Instagram account to use Threads.
Here‘s a pro tip:
💡 If you don‘t already have an Instagram account, download the Instagram app and follow the prompts to sign up for one first.
Once your Instagram account is good to go, head to the App Store if you‘re on iOS or Google Play Store on Android to get Threads.
Tap the download button and wait for the installation to finish. The Threads app icon is a camera outline with two speech bubbles inside – see the picture below so you know what to look for.
Step 2: Input Login Credentials
Great job – you‘ve downloaded the Threads app!
Open Threads and you‘ll see the login page below. Simply enter the username and password associated with the Instagram account you want to use. Tap ‘Log In‘.
Threads will sync all of your Instagram profile info and followers behind the scenes. I‘ll alert you once that background process is done!
Step 3: Build Your Close Friends List
Ok, your Threads account is connected behind the scenes!
When you enter Threads for the first time, a popup will prompt you to "Select Close Friends to Start Threads." This is the moment you get to choose your VIP inner circle.
Tap on Select Close Friends and scroll through your followers list. Tap on a follower‘s icon if you want to make them a Close Friend – their icon will be highlighted once selected, as shown below.
I recommend choosing at least 10-15 real-life close friends and family members. Remember, you can edit this list later!
Step 4: Personalize Your Account Settings
Nice work setting up your Close Friends list!
Next, Threads will ask if you want to customize your account‘s profile and settings. Tap Yes to personalize it now or Later to skip.
Here are the options if you do edit the profile:
Let me know if you need any help deciphering these! I‘m happy to explain further.
Once your profile settings reflect your preferences, tap Done.
Step 5: Start Messaging Your VIPs
Hooray, your shiny new Threads account is officially ready to roll! 🎉
You can now start private messaging your inner circle. Tap into existing conversations or begin new ones.
Here‘s an example view of what your Threads messaging screen may look like:
Get out there and message away!
Key Differences: Threads vs. Instagram
How exactly does Threads compare to Instagram? As a data analyst, I‘ll break it down for you stats-style!
| Feature | Threads | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Private messaging | Broadcasting public content |
| Main Audience | Close friends only | All followers |
| Message Capabilities | Text, visual, voice | Text, visual |
| Content Sharing | Automatic location, music, battery | Manual photo, video, stories |
| Notifications | Highly customizable per conversation | Basic controls |
As the table shows, Threads specializes in private communication with your inner circle. Instagram is better for blasting content publicly. Make sense?
Pro Tips from a Threads Expert (Me!)
Here are some pro-level tips so you can master Threads like an influencer:
🔥 Tip #1: To switch between Instagram accounts in Threads, tap your profile icon > Switch Accounts.
🔥 Tip #2: You can disable unnecessary Threads notifications. I recommend fine-tuning preferences for each Close Friends conversation.
🔥 Tip #3: Love a Threads post? Share it directly to your Instagram feed too for all followers to see. Just tap the Instagram arrow.
Let me know if you need any other advice! I have lots of Threads hot takes.
Let‘s Stay in Touch!
I hope this inside look helped you understand what the buzz around Threads is all about. You should now be fully prepared to create your own account.
If you think of any other questions, please reach out! I love analyzing new social media platforms like this. Maybe I‘ll even make you one of my Close Friends…👀
