Back in the Loop: Why Threads is Buzzing Again

In July 2023, Meta introduced a new social media platform, Threads, as a competitor to X (previously known as Twitter). 

This move was in response to Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, which led to the dismissal of all senior executives and half of the workforce, as reported by ABC News.

Spreading Wings in the Digital World: The X(formerly Twitter Bird ) and Threads Logo in 3D! #TwitterLogo #3DArt

To access Threads, users were required to have an Instagram account. This strategic decision by Meta successfully attracted a large number of users to the app. 

Threads set a record by becoming the first social platform to achieve 1 million sign-ups within an hour, 10 million in 7 hours, and 30 million within a day. 

However, Threads struggled to retain these users, and within a few months, the number of active Android users dropped to just 10.3 million.

Recently, I decided to revisit Threads after a brief break. I found myself instantly captivated, spending time scrolling through threads, reposting, and even creating my own threads. 

I stumbled upon a thread by julz_caz, who interestingly compared the Threads experience to the nostalgic “AOL vibes”, referring to a unique, perceptible quality or feeling.

Throwback to AOL: Millennials, let’s reconnect on Threads! #MillennialsOnThreads #AOLVibes

The revival of Threads, Meta’s social media platform, can be attributed to several key factors:

Trending Topics

A yet-to-be-launched feature, Trending Topics, aims to keep users informed about the latest discussions on the app, similar to X (formerly Twitter). This feature has been highly anticipated since Threads’ Genesis. 

According to Social Media Today, the feature was accidentally leaked by a Meta employee and shared by William Max. However, unlike X, Threads’ trending topics won’t be personalized, which could be a significant factor when the feature is globally launched.

Threads is back in the loop with new trending topics features keeping users updated on the hottest discussions

Edit Button Roll Out

Threads recently introduced an edit button, a feature I find particularly useful as it helps correct typos. This feature is expected to attract more users from X, where the edit feature is only available to paid subscribers and allows edits only within an hour of posting. According to Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, the edit feature on Threads has a 5-minute timer.

Voice Threads

An unexpected yet beneficial feature, Voice Threads, enhances overall conversation. It’s particularly useful for those who are often multitasking, allowing them to post voice notes instead of typing comments. This feature has been well-received by users migrating from X.

Profile Switching

After several months of development, Meta has finally introduced one of the most sought-after features. This feature is particularly useful for Instagram users who manage multiple accounts. 

Previously, to access different threads accounts, users had to return to Instagram, switch profiles, and then log in from there.

Now, with this new feature, switching between different profiles has become a breeze. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Threads app.

2. Find the icon with your profile picture located at the bottom right.

3. Long press on it and switch accounts.

While the exact number of profiles that can be added to the profile-switching feature isn’t specified, it’s safe to assume that it aligns with Instagram’s limit, which allows a total of five accounts.

Direct Messages (DMs)

While it’s not yet set in stone, there’s a buzz around the possibility of the social platform introducing Direct Messages, a feature that could be quite handy. 

However, according to Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, DMs are not currently in the development pipeline for Threads. He stated, “Threads app is built on top of the Instagram app, we’re not building DMs into Threads.”

The addition of DMs could have been a valuable feature to attract more users to the app, as it would have promoted messaging. But keep your eyes peeled. They might reconsider and introduce the DM feature in the new feature.

 Influencer Marketing

The Instagram team is leaving no stone unturned. They’ve shared with the boardroom that they’re investing resources and collaborating with the league to enhance the user experience on Threads.

This strategy has a powerful impact on marketing, fostering real-time conversations during games. The marketing prowess they wield is impressive, as it keeps Thread users engaged while watching matches. 

This engagement could be a pivotal factor in driving a resurgence for Threads

 Benefits of Using Threads

Less negativity and Drama

Unlike X (Formerly Twitter) Threads has less negativity and drama since the conversations are monitored. 

This will turn build a safe space for people to interact and share ideas. It will also eliminate false information and news as Instagram has a fact checker which facts checks information that has controversy 

Opportunity To Build a personal brand

If you are looking to connect with your audience then Threads is the place to be.

There is everything for everyone, everyone who is in threads right now has a specific niche or topic they should follow and keep up with and in turn, this will be very beneficial for the creator as it will encourage the creator to keep sharing with their audience with the authentic and genuine interactions to build loyalty.

Focus on Visual Story Telling

The introduction of carousel photos and videos that display photos consecutively, it makes things engaging as the user swipes one by one however the videos and photos should be appealing to make the audience interact with your page.

Intimate and Close-Knit community

With Threads, you will get a smaller but active fan base that will be following you closely and will build engagement and brand and also make smaller connections.

Also, more personal conversations that will point out a few things that you may want to improve on will ultimately reduce the pressure to perform.

Future of Threads 

Just like any social media platform there have to be challenges and Threads is no exemption. 

My initial thought was that Threads was going to perform well in the long run but my expectations didn't live up to be fulfilled. 

At the same time, the app has several opportunities for growth and user retention.

Threads, Meta’s social media platform, faces several challenges on its path to success:

Monetization

Meta’s CEO, Zuck, has shared that for Threads to start running ads, the platform needs to hit the 1 billion user mark. 

He was quoted saying, “Our strategy is consistent across all our products. We focus on perfecting the product first, then aim to reach a user base of 1 billion, and only then do we consider monetization.” However, it seems like this milestone might take a while to achieve.

 User Retention

Threads experienced a significant drop in its user base a few months after its launch. To maintain user interest and prevent loss, it’s crucial to regularly roll out new features and updates. 

I’m optimistic that as Threads continues to evolve, more users will start to appreciate its value and use it more frequently.

App Fatigue

With the existence of over 10 social media platforms, it can be challenging for users to actively engage with all of them. Many users are already overwhelmed and may need to be open to trying out Threads.

For Threads to succeed, it must offer unique value propositions and differentiate itself from its competitors.

Privacy Concerns

Meta has had its share of privacy issues in the past, including a hefty $1.3 billion fine by the EU in May 2023 for violating privacy rules, as reported by the New York Times. 

Threads requires users to provide a significant amount of personal data, including their name, email address, user ID, and phone number. T

his requirement, coupled with concerns about data security and potential misuse of information, could deter users from adopting the platform.

Threads, despite its challenges, presents unique opportunities for those who wish to influence the platform:

Influencer Marketing

Collaborating with relevant micro-influencers can help you reach specific target audiences. 

This strategy has been successfully implemented on Instagram, where creators partner with others to expand their reach. 

We can hope to see this feature on threads shortly as it will bring more engagement and traction to the app.

Community Building

Cultivating a positive and supportive community atmosphere is key. This encourages user interaction and involvement, which in turn helps in creating specific niches tailored to distinct audiences.

Active engagement with users is also crucial. By addressing their concerns, we can foster trust and loyalty. 

For instance, if a user is interested in learning how to rank an article, providing a detailed guide on how to achieve high rankings on Google can go a long way in building that trust and loyalty.

 Future Trends

Threads allow you to stay ahead of emerging social media trends. With the platform regularly introducing new features, you can seize these opportunities to effectively use these features.

Predictions

Threads hit the ground running, even prompting Elon Musk to consider legal action. Fortunately, that didn’t come to pass. 

The app holds immense promise and has the potential to rise as a leading micro-blogging platform globally, possibly even surpassing X.

However, to realize this potential, it must adapt to current social trends and identify a target audience.

Fast forward a year or two, and we could see the app boasting nearly a billion users. This growth will pave the way for monetization opportunities, enabling people to earn a living.

I personally believe in the app’s potential and am convinced that it will transform the landscape of micro-blogging social platforms.

Call to Action

I’d like to invite all readers to join Threads and experience the app firsthand. Don’t just take others’ opinions at face value. 

Give the app a try, and if it connects with you, fantastic! If not, you’ll at least walk away with your own informed opinion on why it wasn’t a fit for you.

Conclusion

While there’s potential for enhancement in the area of threads, it’s noteworthy that threads have already surpassed established microblogging platforms like Quora and Reddit. 

Its primary competition is platform X, which has been a source of dissatisfaction for many users. 

The future performance of threads is something to watch closely and rest assured, I’ll keep you updated with the latest developments.