Instagram, Twitter (now X), Facebook – every platform has its own style of content writing. And while Twitter has long been the king of concise communication, a new challenger has stepped into the arena: Instagram Threads. Hailed as the Twitter killer, this brand-new platform boasted over 10 million sign-ups within the first seven hours of launching.
If you’re wondering how to write for Instagram Threads, then this guide is for you. We’re going to walk you through the world of Instagram Threads, shedding light on its user base and key features. We’ll also offer some strategies to create winning content specifically for Instagram Threads. So, whether you’re a seasoned social media maven or just dipping your toes into the ‘Threads’ water, read on.
What are Instagram Threads?
Instagram Threads – occasionally referred to as Meta Threads – is an app created by Instagram. It’s designed for posting and replying to threads, similar to how you tweet and reply on Twitter. On Threads, you can share text, photos, videos, or links in a concise format, and others can respond or add to the conversation.
The people who can see and interact with your posts will depend on your chosen privacy settings. If you’re already using Instagram for business, getting started with Threads is a breeze. It pulls some information from your Instagram account, so you don’t have to start from scratch.
While Twitter and Instagram Threads look quite similar at first glance, there is a key difference. Twitter was designed to provide real-time updates, allowing users to share and engage with bite-sized pieces of information. Threads, while built on a similar foundation, specialises in allowing users to go into more detailed content and prolonged conversations. This makes Threads an opportunity for businesses to work on building a more personal, in-depth relationship with their audience.
Understanding the user base of Instagram Threads
Before learning how to use Instagram Threads, it helps to understand the other people who use it. When Threads first launched, it was the fastest growing app in history, reaching 100 million sign ups in just five days. But despite this initial surge in popularity, the actual number of daily active users dipped by 82% from its peak by the end of July. Currently, there are around 8 million daily active users, which is still a sizable audience.
When looking at the demographics of Threads users, there’s an obvious overlap with Instagram. Users need an Instagram account to use Threads, so naturally, IG users were the first to migrate over. It’s not just the users who are similar though – the content is often cross-posted and shared between both platforms.
When looking at the demographic breakdown of Instagram Threads users, we can see that it has a particularly strong following among Gen Z. Within just a day of its release, Threads found popularity in various corners of the world, including India, the UK, Brazil, and the US. Males are predominant, making up 68% of the user base with females accounting for 32%. Another point of interest is device preference, with a notable majority accessing Threads via iOS devices. Overall, Threads has managed to attract a young, predominantly male, and tech-savvy audience from across the globe.
Key features of Instagram Threads that affect content creation
If you want to learn how to use Instagram Threads for business – or for your personal account – it helps to get to grips first with some of the platform’s key features and functionality. Here’s a quick overview of how Threads by Instagram works:
Reposting
Instagram Threads respects the original creators. When you repost content, the original owner’s name, likes, and shares remain intact, which is a win-win situation. While you get to share valuable content with your audience, the original creator doesn’t lose their recognition.
Integration with Instagram
Threads is closely knit with Instagram. You can seamlessly add your Threads posts to your Instagram stories via the “Add to Story” option. This encourages cross-promotion and using this feature can help enhance your content’s reach.
Sharing beyond Threads
The platform isn’t just about keeping content within its own ecosystem. Meta (the parent company of Instagram and Threads) is all about “interoperability” between social media platforms. As such, they plan to work with ActivityHub and other platforms like Twitter, to allow users to share content outside Instagram Threads.
Quoting and commenting
Threads by Instagram offers various different ways to engage with posts. By using the “Share” and “Quote” options, you can quote posts in your comments. This encourages more engagement and deeper conversations around shared content.
Diverse media uploads
Although primarily a text-based platform, other forms of media can be easily shared on Threads. You can post videos up to 5 minutes long or showcase photos. For those who like to create stories, Threads allows you to post multiple images and videos in one post.
Ever-refreshing feed
Every time you access Threads, you’re met with an automatically refreshed feed. This means that users will always see the latest news and content.
Hashtags
Instagram Threads does not currently have a hashtag feature. This can be good and bad, depending on how you look at it. For those who prefer to curate their own content, it can help them keep the noise down. However, if you want to explore new topics and discover new conversations, this might be a bit of a disappointment.
Profile sharing
You can promote yourself or others with the “share profile” option. This will allow you to mention a profile and have it linked in your post on Threads or on other social media networks. It can be especially useful for creators who are looking to increase their exposure and get more followers.
Privacy controls
Threads values user privacy. You can customise who gets to “mention you” or reply to your posts. By controlling interactions, you can tailor your content environment to your comfort level.
How to write for Instagram Threads – strategies & tips
Threads can be a great platform for brands to build a new audience from scratch. It’s a fresh, open environment with lots of potential. Here are a few strategies to help you start writing for Instagram Threads:
Write a catchy bio
Your profile’s bio section is your chance to grab the reader’s attention. Showcase your personality and make sure it accurately reflects who you are. Keep it concise, but also creative. You don’t have to use too many words, just enough to intrigue people for more information about you.
No hashtags? No problem
Since Instagram Threads does not have a hashtag feature, you can use phrases that will stand out without looking like hashtags. This allows you to express yourself more freely and be creative with your posts.
Make the most of GIFs and visual elements
GIFs are a great way to convey emotion and catch the reader’s attention. Instagram Threads also allows you to upload up to 5 videos per post, so take advantage of this opportunity by uploading high-quality visuals or creating collages with multiple images.
Keep an eye on trends
Since Threads is a brand-new platform, expect things to change quickly and be on the lookout for updates. Additionally, it can pay off to keep an eye out for conversation threads that are starting to gain traction. It may be a sign of a bigger trend coming down the line. You can then jump in and join the discussion with your own take or spin on something!
Write responses quickly
When someone mentions you or replies to your post, it’s important to respond quickly and start a conversation. This shows that you are engaged with the community, and also brings an opportunity for further discussion. Writing a thoughtful response can add value to the conversation and encourage others to join in.
Be more genuine and less salesy
Threads has a more laid-back atmosphere than other social media platforms. As such, be genuine and authentic when communicating with your followers. Don’t be too salesy or push products – the focus should instead be on creating relationships and entertaining content.
Cross promote on other platforms
Given the integration with Instagram, take advantage of cross-promotion. Share your Threads posts on your Instagram stories to direct traffic and vice versa. You can also share to other social media platforms to help build your presence and reach a wider audience.
Encourage engagement
Start conversations in the comments section and ask thoughtful questions that will spark conversation. Those who already use Instagram for business know that people are more likely to engage if they feel like their opinion matters. Plus, encouraging engagement helps create relationships with other users who might be potential customers or partners.
Keep it concise, but detailed
Unlike Twitter’s strict character limit, Threads allows for more expansive conversations. However, there is still a limit, so it’s still vital to be concise. Start with a strong point and then dive deeper, giving your audience both a snapshot and a detailed view if they wish to engage further.
Engage with replies
Since Threads is designed for threading conversations, make sure to engage with replies to your posts. This gives you a chance to engage with your followers on a more personal level and build deeper relationships. You’ll soon find out what topics really get your followers talking.
Share useful resources & tips
Threads is a great platform to share helpful advice and resources with your followers. This could be anything from industry tips, to advice on how to use your products or services, or even links to relevant blog posts and articles. If your content is genuinely useful, users will be more likely to share it too.
Embrace new platforms like Instagram Threads for broader reach
Instagram Threads, while being a newcomer, offers a chance for deeper, more personalised conversations than Twitter. It’s also a fresh space for brands to make their mark before the bigger players take over. If you can master the art of writing for Threads, you may just end up with a loyal following.
If you need help writing social media content, our team of professional copywriters are here to help. Get in touch for more details.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Threads and Instagram?
Threads and Instagram are both products of Meta (formerly Facebook, Inc.), but they cater to different user experiences. Instagram is a diverse platform where users can post photos, videos, stories, and more, with a focus on visually-driven content. Threads, on the other hand, is specifically designed for posting and replying in a thread format, akin to Twitter.
Can you make Threads private?
Yes, you can adjust the privacy settings on Threads to control who can see and interact with your posts. Similar to other social platforms, you have the ability to set privacy levels to ensure that your content reaches the desired audience. Additionally, you can customise who gets to mention you or reply to your posts, offering another layer of privacy control.
How do I access Threads?
Threads is a standalone app, separate from Instagram. To access Threads, you’ll need to download it from your device’s app store. Once downloaded, you can log in using your Instagram credentials. If you’re already an Instagram user, some of your information will be pulled into Threads, so you won’t have to set up an entirely new profile.
How do I post on Threads?
Posting on Threads is intuitive. After you’ve accessed the app:
- Tap the writing icon located at the bottom centre of the app.
- Type out your message, and you can also add photos, videos, or links if desired.
- Choose your posting options and any relevant privacy settings.
- Hit “Post” or the equivalent button to share your content.
How do you post a thread on Instagram stories?
As of the last update, Threads closely integrates with Instagram. If you wish to share a post from Threads to your Instagram stories:
- Open the specific thread or post you want to share on Threads.
- Look for the “Share” option or an icon resembling a paper plane.
- From the sharing options, select “Add to Instagram Story.”
- Customise your story as you normally would on Instagram, adding text, stickers, etc.
- Tap “Add to Story” to finalise the sharing process.