In the ever-evolving world of social media, Instagram has always been at the forefront of innovation. From introducing Stories to IGTV, the platform has consistently provided new ways for users to connect and engage with each other. And now, Instagram has taken it a step further with the launch of a new app, Threads.

According to CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s Threads post, the emphasis is on maintaining a friendly atmosphere as the app expands. Zuckerberg believes that friendliness will be crucial to Threads’ success, highlighting the differing approach from Twitter’s trajectory. One reason for Twitter’s perceived lack of success, according to Zuckerberg, is its failure to prioritise friendliness. In contrast, Threads aims to build a different experience.

So what can you do on the Threads app? And how does it work?

Without doubt, Threads is Instagrams version of Twitter. With a feed primarily composed of text-based posts, users can engage in real-time conversations, share photos, and post videos. Threads also limits each post to 500 characters – much greater than Twitter’s 220 – allowing users to reply to, repost, and quote other Threads posts. Embracing Instagram’s aesthetic and navigation system, the app even enables seamless sharing of Threads posts directly to Instagram Stories.

Unlike Twitter, Threads does not feature hashtags or trending topics, distinguishing itself in the social media landscape. Additionally, once a Thread is posted, editing is not possible, underlining the app’s focus on authentic and unedited content.

Why might Threads be a game-changer for you and your business?

As with the introduction of any new social media platform, all the global players are very quickly to adopt. Companies such as Nike, Airbnb, Disney and Coca Cola have already been using the platform since its launch, just to name a few. So what could it do for you?

First and foremost, Threads allows brands to create a more intimate and exclusive connection with your audience. By curating a list of “close friends”, your brand can handpick and invite a select group of loyal customers, influencers, or brand advocates to join, creating a community of brand enthusiasts who are eager to engage and interact. This creates a sense of exclusivity and garners a stronger bond between you and your most dedicated followers.

One of the key features that you could leverage on Threads is the ability to set a status. This presents a unique opportunity to share behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, or even limited-time offers with your community. By keeping your audience updated on the latest happenings, you can create a sense of anticipation and excitement, driving engagement and growing a solid group of brand enthusiasts.

Moreover, the automatic sharing feature on Threads can be a game-changer for brands looking to promote their business creatively. Imagine you’re fashion brand automatically updating your status when they’re at a photoshoot, giving your “close friends” (or brand enthusiasts) a glimpse into the upcoming collection. This could also work with brand pop-up stores, or restaurants enticing their “close friends” with a limited-time discount. The possibilities are endless, and the potential for creative marketing campaigns could be immense.

Also, as Threads seamlessly integrates with Instagram Stories, you can easily cross-promote your Threads content by mentioning or sharing it in Stories, driving more traffic to your Threads groups and expanding your reach.

To conclude…

By leveraging the features of Threads, you and your brand can create a more intimate connection with their audience, share exclusive content, and foster a sense of community and loyalty.

To find out how ME Comms could create a bespoke plan to create and manage a Threads account for you, contact us at [email protected]