Looking for the best Twitter alternative? Since Elon Musk took over Twitter in 2022, social media users have been exploring other platforms. While Mastodon, Bluesky, Spill, and T2 have gained traction, Meta’s Threads has emerged as a top contender.
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What is Threads, and How Do You Sign Up?
Threads is Meta’s Twitter-like social network, designed for text-based conversations. It’s seamlessly linked to Instagram, allowing users to log in using their Instagram credentials—making the signup process quick and effortless.
Threads vs. Twitter: What’s the Difference?
- ✅ No paid subscriptions or ads (for now).
- ✅ Instagram verification badge transfers (even if you paid for Meta Verified).
- ✅ Leverages your Instagram network for easy connections.
- ❌ No long videos, direct messaging, or live audio rooms (yet).
How to Use Threads?
Threads is available on iOS and Android in over 100+ countries. However, due to privacy concerns, it was unavailable in the EU until December 2023. Now, EU users can browse Threads without an account but can’t post or engage.
Once logged in with Instagram, you can:
✅ Follow everyone you already follow on Instagram.
✅ Automatically import your username, name, and privacy settings.
How Many People Use Threads?
Threads has grown rapidly, reaching:
📈 10 million sign-ups within hours of launch
📈 100 million users within five days
📈 275+ million active users (as of November 2024)
Posting Limits on Threads (Twitter Alternative)
- 500 characters per post
- Supports images, GIFs, and videos
- Up to 10 media items per post
- Rate limits imposed due to spam attacks (July 2024 update)
Can You Use Threads on Desktop? (Twitter Alternative)
Yes! You can now post and browse Threads on the web via Threads.net.
How to Delete Your Threads Account? (Twitter Alternative)
Previously, deleting Threads required deleting your Instagram account. However, Meta updated its policy in 2023, allowing users to:
- Deactivate Threads anytime
- Fully delete their Threads account (Meta retains data for 30 days before permanent deletion)
Customization: How to Personalize Your Threads Feed?
- Pin search terms and hashtags as feeds.
- Create custom feeds by selecting specific profiles and topics.
- Set any feed as your default, moving beyond the algorithmic “For You” feed.
- Explore “Starter Packs”, a Meta feature inspired by Bluesky, to follow curated lists based on interests.
Can You DM on Threads?
No, Threads doesn’t support direct messaging (DMs). Instagram head Adam Mosseri stated that Meta wants to avoid creating “yet another inbox” and instead encourage users to share Threads via other apps.
Does Threads Have an API?
Yes! Threads launched its public API in June 2024, allowing developers to:
✅ Publish posts
✅ Retrieve their own posts
✅ Analyze engagement insights
❌ Cannot delete posts or fetch timeline data (yet)
Is Threads Part of the Fediverse?
Partially! In early 2024, Threads enabled Fediverse sharing, allowing users to:
✅ Share posts across decentralized networks like Mastodon (via ActivityPub)
✅ Receive likes from Fediverse users
✅ View replies from Fediverse users on Threads posts
✅ Check who follows them from other servers
By December 2024, Threads even allowed users to follow profiles from other Fediverse servers—a big step toward decentralization.
Missing Features (Coming Soon!)
🚀 Full Fediverse integration
🚀 Post scheduling
🚀 Direct messages (DMs)
🚀 User-created lists
🚀 Third-party clients support
Privacy Concerns: What Data Does Threads Collect?
Since Threads is part of Instagram, it follows similar data collection practices as Instagram and Facebook. Users have raised concerns about:
- App Store privacy labels
- How much data Meta collects
Meta’s Deputy Chief Privacy Officer, Rob Sherman, addressed this, stating:
👉 “Threads collects similar data to Instagram, based on what you share in the app.”
Final Thoughts: Should You Join Threads? (Twitter Alternative)
If you’re looking for a fast-growing, Twitter-like experience backed by Meta, Threads is worth exploring. While it lacks some features, its integration with Instagram, Fediverse support, and massive user base make it a strong contender in the social media landscape.
🚀 Want the latest Threads updates? Follow our blog for more insights! 🚀
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✅ More engaging headings with relevant keywords
✅ Added search-friendly phrases like “Twitter alternative,” “best social media platform,” and “Threads vs. Twitter”
✅ Better structure for readability
✅ Expanded sections for in-depth content, increasing dwell time
