If you're an Instagram user, you may have heard of a new app called Threads. Threads is a text-based social network that lets you share your thoughts, opinions, and links with your followers and other creators. Threads is not a replacement for Instagram, but a complement to it. In this article, I'll explain what Threads is, how many users it has, and whether you need to be on it for your business.

What is Instagram's Threads?

Threads is a new app, built by the Instagram team, for sharing text updates and joining public conversations. You log in using your Instagram account and posts can be up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length. Threads is similar to Twitter, but with some differences. For example, you can repost and quote other posts, like on Twitter, but you can also add them to your story or feed, like on Instagram. You can also use hashtags and mentions to join topics and trends, and react to other posts with emojis or replies.

Threads is designed to be a positive and creative space for you to express your ideas and connect with your audience and other creators. Threads is also built on the ActivityPub protocol, which means that it will soon be compatible with other open, interoperable social networks that are shaping the future of the internet. This means that you can reach new audiences with no added effort by posting on Threads and having your content accessible from other apps like Mastodon or WordPress.

How many users does Threads have?

Threads was launched on 06 July 2023 in 100 countries, excluding the European Union due to privacy regulations. Meta (the company that owns Facebook and Instagram) has not released any official numbers on how many users Threads has, but some estimates suggest that it has already surpassed 10 million downloads in its first week. This is impressive considering that Threads is competing with other popular text-based platforms like Twitter and Reddit.

Threads is attracting users who are looking for a simpler and more familiar social media experience, as well as those who are curious about the new app and its features. Threads is also appealing to creators who want to diversify their content and reach new audiences across different platforms. Some of the most popular threads on Threads include topics like music, memes, sports, politics, and personal stories.

Do you need to be on Threads for your business?

If you're a business owner or a marketer who uses Instagram to promote your brand, products, or services, you may be wondering if you need to be on Threads as well. The answer is: it depends. Threads is not a must-have for every business, but it can be a valuable tool for some. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider using Threads for your business:

• You want to share more text-based content with your audience. If you have a lot of insights, opinions, tips, or stories that you want to share with your followers, but they don't fit well on Instagram's photo and video-centric platform, Threads can be a great place to do so. You can write longer posts than on Twitter or Instagram captions, and include links, photos, or videos to support your points. You can also use hashtags and mentions to join relevant conversations and trends.
• You want to engage more with your audience and other creators. Threads is a platform that encourages interaction and dialogue. You can reply to other posts, repost them, quote them, or add them to your story or feed. You can also react to other posts with emojis or replies. This can help you build relationships with your followers and other creators in your niche. You can also use Threads to ask questions, get feedback, run polls, or host Q&A sessions.
• You want to reach new audiences across different platforms. Threads is built on the ActivityPub protocol, which means that it will soon be compatible with other open, interoperable social networks that are shaping the future of the internet. This means that you can post on Threads and have your content accessible from other apps like Mastodon or WordPress. This can help you expand your reach and discover new potential customers who may not be on Instagram or Facebook.
  

Of course, there are also some challenges and drawbacks of using Threads for your business. Here are some of them:

• You need to create more content for another platform. If you're already busy managing your Instagram account (and maybe other social media accounts as well), adding another platform to your mix may seem overwhelming. You need to create content that is suitable for Threads' format and tone, as well as keep up with the conversations and trends on the app. You also need to monitor your performance and analytics on Threads (which are not very detailed at the moment) and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• You need to deal with more competition and noise. Threads is a new and popular app, which means that there are a lot of users and posts on it. This can make it harder for your posts to stand out and get noticed by your target audience. You also need to compete with other businesses and creators who may be offering similar products or services as you. You need to find ways to differentiate yourself and provide value to your followers on Threads.
• You need to comply with the app's rules and regulations. Threads is owned by Meta, which means that it follows the same policies and guidelines as Facebook and Instagram. This means that you need to abide by the app's terms of service, community standards, and data policy. You also need to be aware of the app's limitations and restrictions, such as the 500-character limit for posts, the 5-minute limit for videos, and the unavailability of the app in some regions.
  

Threads is a new text-based social network that ties into your Instagram account. It lets you share your thoughts, opinions, and links with your followers and other creators. Threads is not a replacement for Instagram, but a complement to it. Threads has some advantages and disadvantages for businesses who want to use it for marketing purposes. Whether you need to be on Threads or not depends on your goals, audience, and resources. If you decide to give Threads a try, make sure to create engaging and valuable content, interact with your followers and other creators, and follow the app's rules and regulations.