With 100 million new users joining in the first week, Threads is taking social media by storm. This text-based Twitter competitor from Instagram is all the talk in social media right now as users and brands alike scramble to figure out how it works and if “threading” really is the future of online conversation. Interested in giving it a try? Read up for our fast facts to know about Threads and get ready to start threading!

What is Instagram’s Threads?

Threads is a new “text-based conversation app” from Meta’s Instagram Team. There’s been no secret of the fact that it is aimed squarely at competing with Twitter. Users share text-based updates and can join in public conversations online. Similar to Twitter, you can also add photos, videos (up to 5 minutes in length) and links.

How does Threads work?

Twitter users will find Threads looks very familiar. Both are based around a feed of text-based posts. Threads posts, however, can be up to 500 characters long, nearly twice Twitter’s 280-character limit. Interacting with Threads is intuitive as well if you are already an Instagram user. You’ll simply tap the heart to like a post, the quote bubble to reply, the paper airplane to share the post or you can use the repost button to repost a Thread directly to your own profile. Since Threads and Instagram are so closely related, you can also easily add any public Thread to your Instagram Story.

How do you connect with others on Threads?

Threads took off quickly with more than 100 million users joining up in the first week. That means that many of your connections may already be threading! To make it easy to get started, Threads will allow you to automatically follow the same accounts that you follow on Instagram. (It will also inherit your blocked accounts from Instagram so you don’t have to bump into them again on Threads.) You can also find people on Threads by looking at their Instagram profile. You’ll see a new Threads link appearing right below their Instagram username.

Are there hashtags on Threads?

There are no hashtags on Threads yet, but Instagram has said that hashtags as well as a trending page are set to be introduced soon.

Can I advertise on Threads?

There is currently no advertising or monetization on Threads, only organic content. That means brands interested in joining the space can only join the conversation through organic posting right now, and – at least for now – users can scroll ad-free.

How can I join Threads?

Joining threads is easy. Just download the Threads app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and the system will guide you through completing your profile and importing the accounts you already follow. You must have an active Instagram account to join Threads. If you are verified on Instagram, you will also automatically be verified on Threads. It’s also important to note that right now you cannot delete your Threads account without also deleting your Instagram account. You can however deactivate it to hide all of your content if you wish.

Now that you’ve got the facts, you’re ready to start threading! Want to chat about how Threads fits into the picture for your brand’s social media strategy? Connect with the Clementine team!