Threads is here. Meta’s answer to Twitter launched last night, and it accrued 10 million users in its first 7 hours. Megan Ellisor, director of the NC State Social Media Hub, provided a brief overview of the new platform.
Threads is similar in functionality to Twitter.
Some key differences:
- Posts on Threads have a 500-character limit (Twitter’s limit is 280)
- Videos on Threads can be up to 5 minutes long (Twitter’s limit is 2:20)
- Hashtags do not work on Threads at this time, though Meta has noted it is on the list.
- Threads cannot be used on desktop at this time.
- Threads is directly connected to your Instagram account, so you keep the same @handle. Users have the option to automatically follow all of the same accounts that they follow on Instagram, or start with a blank slate.
Who is on Threads?
At this time, the primary audience on Threads appears to be millennials, though this is quickly evolving as more users activate their accounts.
What is your approach to Threads?
On the enterprise @NCState account, we are approaching Threads with the same strategy we use on Twitter — for now. We will cross-post our tweets to Threads to gauge what works. This will likely evolve as the platform evolves, but this is the most seamless way for us to integrate this new platform into our workflow. We will still be active on Twitter at this time.
Can I schedule Threads via Hootsuite/Sprout/Creator Studio, etc.?
Not at this time, but I have no doubt this will be in the works if the platform continues at this same rate of growth and engagement.
Should I create a Threads account for my area of NC State?
This will be different for everyone. If you don’t already have a strong Twitter and Instagram presence, I don’t recommend diving head-first into Threads. I highly recommend connecting with your college/unit communications director before pursuing any new platforms. It is important to note that at this time, it appears you cannot delete your Threads account without also deleting your Instagram account.
Although there is a lot of buzz about Threads today, it is too early to determine if it has longevity. However, while many Twitter competitors have launched in the past several months, the Meta-backed platform appears to be the best positioned to rival Twitter. We’ll be closely monitoring the platform’s growth and engagement to determine our long-term strategy.
You can read more about Threads here. Feel free to reach out with questions. (And follow @NCState on Threads.)