Threads App: Connect, Customize, and Collaborate

Threads is a new app, built by the Instagram team, for sharing text updates and joining public conversations.

You log in using your Instagram account and posts can be up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length.

We’re working to soon make Threads compatible with the open, interoperable social networks that we believe can shape the future of the internet.

Threads, an innovative messaging app developed by Meta, offers users a seamless and personalized experience in group communication. By leveraging the power of your Instagram account, Threads revolutionizes the way you connect with others and discover new content. In this article, we will explore the features and future potential of Threads, including its compatibility with open social networking protocols.

Easy Setup and Customization:

Getting started with Threads is effortless. Simply use your existing Instagram account to log in, and your username and verification will carry over seamlessly. The app also provides the option to customize your profile specifically for Threads, allowing you to tailor your experience to your preferences.

Privacy and Accessibility:

Threads prioritizes user privacy, especially for younger users. Those under the age of 16 (or 18 in certain countries) are defaulted into a private profile when they join Threads. This ensures a safe and controlled environment for young users. Additionally, the app incorporates accessibility features found in Instagram, such as screen reader support and AI-generated image descriptions, making it inclusive for all users.

Personalized Feed and Content Sharing:

Threads offers a personalized feed that includes threads posted by people you follow, as well as recommended content from new creators. Posts within threads can include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length. You can easily share Threads posts to your Instagram story or share them as links on other platforms, expanding the reach of your content.

Positive and Productive Conversations:

Threads is designed to enable positive and productive conversations. Users have control over who can mention or reply to them within threads. Similar to Instagram, you can filter out replies containing specific words by adding them to the hidden words list. The app also allows you to unfollow, block, restrict, or report profiles, with any accounts blocked on Instagram automatically blocked on Threads.

Safety and Community Guidelines:

As with all Meta products, safety is a top priority. Threads enforces Instagram's Community Guidelines on content and interactions within the app. Meta has invested significant resources in building teams and technologies to protect users, totaling over $16 billion since 2016. The company remains committed to advancing integrity efforts and ensuring a secure online community.

Compatibility with Interoperable Networks:

Threads is planning to become compatible with ActivityPub, an open social networking protocol established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). This compatibility will allow Threads to interact with other apps that support the ActivityPub protocol, such as Mastodon and WordPress. It opens up new possibilities for connections and enhances interoperability among diverse social networks.

Control and Transfer of Content:

Threads aims to provide users with more control over their audience. Through the integration with ActivityPub, users will have the option to transfer their content to other compatible services. This decentralized approach allows users to reach new audiences effortlessly and approve followers on Threads similar to their Instagram experience.

Advantages of Open Social Networking Protocols:

Open social networking protocols offer numerous benefits beyond following other users. Developers can create new features and user experiences that seamlessly integrate with open social networks, fostering innovation and experimentation. Each compatible app can establish its own community standards and content moderation policies, empowering users to choose platforms aligned with their values. This decentralized approach, similar to email and the web, is envisioned to shape the future of online platforms.

Threads app by Meta provides a unique and customizable approach to group communication. With its easy setup, privacy features, personalized feed, and compatibility with open social networking protocols, Threads offers a comprehensive and secure messaging experience. As the app continues to evolve, additional features, improved recommendations, and enhanced search functionality will further enhance the user experience. Meta looks forward to receiving user feedback and creating exciting new ways to connect within the Threads community. Download the app today from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to experience the future of group communication.