Threads is the new social media platform popularly known as the Twitter replacement created by Mark Zuckerberg, Meta CEO. The app was launched shortly after many recent unpredictable occurrences happening on Twitter since Elon Musk’s takeover.
The two platforms have been in a tussle because many features on the new social media platform, Threads, bear quite a lot of similarities to Twitter — one of which is the fact that Threads is a text-focused messaging app, just like Twitter. Many users believe that Mark is leveraging Instagram’s popularity to pull a crowd of users to the new platform, especially as both Threads and Instagram are almost joined at the hip.
However, others say that the new features that Threads provides users make it a worthy contender for Musk’s Twitter.
In our review of both platforms, indeed we have found many similarities but also a few differentiators as well. Come on this journey with us as we settle the recent tech trends battle between Twitter and Threads.
What Is the Threads App?
Threads is a social media platform that allows users to share and interact with text-based posts. Like Twitter, it’s a micro-blogging social media app that provides a more welcoming space to have online conversations. The platform prides itself on the “new way to share with text,” and Threads users have not wasted a minute utilizing the full features the app provides.
In just a few early days since Zuckerberg announced the launch of the Threads app, the platform amassed over 100 million sign-ups ups making it the current biggest Twitter competitor in the social media world. Threads is available on the list of social media platforms available for download in over 100 countries around the globe.
Threads lets users share posts that look just like Tweets. Users can also grow their followers, comment, and interact with them on trending topics. You can always buy Threads followers from Views4You and have instant growth with your account.
The Main Differences & Similarities Between the Threads Feed & Twitter’s
There are many similarities that make the Instagram-related app seem a tad too similar to Twitter features, which is one of the reasons why the Twitter company CEO, Elon Musk, recently filed to take legal action against the new app. However, each platform still has its own uniqueness that makes Instagram users support Zuckerberg, and Twitter users stand firmly behind Musk.
One significant difference you may observe from the outside looking in is the stark variation between the Twitter logo and Threads’ logo. Unlike the Twitter app icon — the Twitter bluebird, the Threads icon is a thread-like representation of the “@” symbol.
Nevertheless, let’s look in-depth at the key differences between Threads and Twitter as a user of both apps.
Threads vs Twitter: Character Count & Limits on Posts
You can share posts on both Threads and Twitter, which include images, videos, links, GIFs, and much more. However, Threads allows up to 500 character counts per post, while Tweets have a 280-character limit per post on a basic tier account. However if you have a Twitter Blue subscription, you get up to 25k characters per post.
Threads offers users up to 10 items per post with its Carousel posts feature, one-upping Twitter that only allows four items for each post.
Threads vs Twitter: Account Creation Requirements
You need to have an Instagram account to be able to use the Threads platform. If you have the Threads App, you must also be signed up on Instagram to use it. Threads will also allow you to select which account handles from your Instagram account you wish to follow when you join the app. You can select all handles or choose the ones you like.
One major deal breaker that Threads users are facing is that the platform does not allow users to delete their Threads account without deleting their main Instagram account. So, if you’re not ready to say goodbye to your Instagram accounts, Threads may not be an option for you.
Twitter, on the other hand, is a standalone company that’s not joined at the hip with any other social media platforms. This means that you can join Twitter without having to be on any other social media. If you like, you’re also free to delete your Twitter accounts with no strings attached.
Threads vs Twitter: The UI & UX Features
Threads and Twitter look very much alike in their user interface. They both sport a text box that looks alike. The retweet icons and procedure also seem very much similar. Other activities like tagging a Threads user in a comment or post are also similar. Twitter’s hashtags feature which many users leverage to make posts go viral or to search for followers handles is, however, not yet available on the Threads platform. Seeing as hashtags are a popular Instagram and Facebook feature, it’s not far-fetched to assume that Meta is likely working on something related.
Threads vs Twitter: Direct Messaging
Twitter is not just great for creating tweets, tweet threads, and sharing videos on the feed, but the company also provides a Direct Message or DM feature where users can communicate privately. Here, you can share links, messages, images, videos, voice messages, and more. Instagram DMs also provide a similar feature for Instagram users.
Sadly, this feature has not yet been replicated on Threads, perhaps because it already has 3 major social media channels dedicated to exchanging DMs (Facebook Messenger, IG DMs, & WhatsApp).
Threads vs Twitter: Search Capabilities
One of the qualities that help Twitter stand out is the ability it gives its users to search for an old tweet on their feed, a trending news story, a follower, or certain hashtags. Meta has a search feature on its other platforms, as well, but it mostly focuses on finding accounts, and locations, or using the hashtag feature to curate posts with related search terms.
Threads does not have an in-depth search capability like Twitter right now. Instead, it can only search for other Thread accounts. Being a new social media channel, it’s difficult to tell if this feature is in the works.
Threads vs Twitter: Trending Posts
Twitter has a well-built system in place to help users find hot and trending topics. You can also customize your feed to determine the types of posts that show up based on the settings you choose. “Following” gives you content from your followers alone, while “For You” shows you a mix of relevant content from a variety of audiences.
Although Threads also allows you to mute words to customize the posts you see, a typical Threads feed is very basic. You only get to view posts from people you follow and posts that are trending. There are some talks about a Chronological feed in the works for Threads, but that’s about it for now.
Other Minor Differences & Similarities in the Threads vs. Twitter Conflict
Now that you’ve seen the major differences between Threads & Twitter, there are a few other nitty-gritty that you may want to get up to date with.
Followers List
Twitter provides two distinct tabs indicating who you’re following and who is following you. Threads, however, only provides a “Followers” tab under which you can then view who follows you.
Ads, Security, & Privacy Policies
Unlike Twitter, Threads does not run ads — yet. Everyone knows how big Meta is on advertising on many of its social channels, so it’s likely that the feature will be integrated into Threads soon. As for privacy and security, your Threads account can be either private or public, just like Twitter. Threads by Meta is highly interested in your personal data. The social channel collects a huge amount of your personal data and sensitive information from your purchase history to your physical address, and so much more.
Verification Badge & Pricing
If you have the blue checkmarks on your Instagram accounts, then you automatically have them on your Thread accounts at no charge. Twitter, on the other hand, has a thing going with paid verification badges, assigning badges based on a subscription tier. You can get a blue checkmark on Twitter for $8. A gold check on Twitter represents a business. The only exceptions are Government accounts that get a grey check.
Username Claims
On Threads, your Instagram username automatically becomes your Threads username. You can only modify your Threads username by changing your IG username. Your Twitter name, however, is anything you want it to be, unconnected to any other social media.
Does a Threads Account Need an Instagram Account?
Yes, it does. You can only join Threads if you have an account on Instagram. Similarly, you can only delete your Threads account if you delete your Instagram account. This means you must consider the implications of joining the channel very well before you agree to sign up.
How to Join Threads Social Media Platform
Joining Threads is easy.
- Make sure you have an IG account
- Download the Threads app from your device’s app store (Google Play or App Store)
- Sign in and claim your IG username.
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