How to Use Threads: A Guide to Getting Started and Building a Following

When Threads was launched, it became the fastest-growing app ever, with 100 million users in just 1 week. 

Today, with almost double the amount of users, Meta’s text-based social media platform is now focusing its efforts in keeping users engaged and active.

This presents a unique opportunity for new users to dive in and make the most of this burgeoning platform. 

If you’re looking to increase your followers on Threads (or be its next viral sensation), then this guide will help you get started and build your following. 

We’ll explore how to set up your account, post engaging content, and leverage the platform’s features to build a dedicated audience. 

But let’s be clear on one thing first.

What you will learn

• What is Threads?
• Who can benefit from using Threads?
• What’s the difference between Threads, X, and other social media platforms?
• Setting up your Threads account
• How to post on Threads
• How to build a following on Threads
• Tips and tricks to optimize your Threads feed and account
• Nail your efforts to use Threads to grow your following

What is Threads?

Threads is Meta’s newest social media platform designed for real-time, text-based conversations.

It acts as a companion app to Instagram that allows users to engage in threaded discussions (it’s kinda like X, but with less bots and fewer ads).

Threads aims to create a more intimate and focused environment for sharing thoughts, updates, and multimedia content by emphasizing simplicity and ease of use.

It features a clean interface where users can post text updates, images, and videos and engage in interactive elements like polls and GIFs. 

The Instagram interaction facilitates seamless cross-platform interactions.

It allows users to share Threads posts directly to their Instagram stories or feeds, thereby enhancing the visibility of their content.

With that said, the question now is…

Who can benefit from using Threads?

While you can use Threads to share how you feel, vent out your frustrations, or just communicate your emotions, it’s particularly beneficial for these users:

• Content creators and influencers. The Instagram integration makes Threads a powerful tool for influencers to engage with their followers in real time, share behind-the-scenes content, and foster a more personal connection with their audience

• Businesses and brands. Companies can use Threads to communicate directly with their customers, share updates, promote products, and handle customer service inquiries in a more interactive and conversational manner
• Social media managers. For users running multiple social media campaigns, Threads offers an additional platform to reach audiences and implement content strategies. It provides another channel for timely updates and audience engagement
• Communities and interest groups: Threads can be used to create niche communities around specific interests or topics. It can facilitate focused discussions and information sharing among like-minded individuals

What’s the difference between Threads, X, and other social media platforms?

We can safely say that Threads is the direct competitor of X. 

But what makes it different? And how does it compare to other social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn? 

Understanding these differences can help you use Threads alongside your other social media platforms, making the most of its special features and how it works with Instagram. 

Threads vs. X (formerly Twitter)

Purpose

Both platforms are designed for real-time, text-based conversations. 

However, Threads was launched at the perfect time, right when Elon Musk made some changes to X that were “unappealing” to many users. 

There were more ads, so many bot accounts, and inappropriate accounts that were supposed to be flagged.

Threads is positioned as a more intimate, Instagram-integrated option, whereas X is a broader, standalone platform. 

Integration 

Threads integrates seamlessly with Instagram, allowing for cross-platform sharing, while X operates independently.

User Interface

Threads emphasizes simplicity and a clutter-free interface (minimalists are gonna love it). 

On the other hand, X offers a wider range of features and a more complex user experience.  

Posting on Threads vs. other social media platforms

Facebook

While Facebook focuses on broader social interactions and community building, Threads focuses more on concise, real-time conversations.

For example, imagine you’re a small business announcing a new product launch.

On Facebook, you might create a detailed post with photos, a video, and a long description, including links to your website and a call-to-action to join an event.

For Threads, you would post a concise update about the product launch, focusing on real-time interaction. 

You may write, “Our new product is here! 🎉 Check it out now [link]. What do you think of the new features?” 

The post encourages immediate feedback and conversation.

Instagram 

Threads complements Instagram by allowing for more detailed text-based interactions, whereas Instagram is primarily visual.

If you’re a fitness influencer, you might post a high-quality photo of your workout with a detailed caption explaining the exercises and benefits, using hashtags to reach a wider audience.

On Threads, you could share a quick tip or insight from your workout. 

For example, “Just finished an intense HIIT session! 🏋️‍♂️ Remember to stay hydrated and keep pushing your limits. What’s your favorite post-workout snack?” 

This promotes a more text-based, conversational interaction.

TikTok 

TikTok is centered around short-form video content and viral trends, while Threads focuses on text and threaded discussions.

A fashion brand might create a short, engaging video showing a model trying on different outfits, using trending music and effects to catch viewers’ attention.

On Threads, the same brand might post multiple images of their new outfits with the caption, “Loving our new summer collection! ☀️ What’s your go-to summer outfit? 

Pick your style and share with us why!” This encourages users to discuss and share their preferences in a text-based format.

LinkedIn: 

LinkedIn is a professional networking site, whereas Threads is more casual and geared towards personal and community interactions.

A marketing professional might share a detailed post about a successful campaign, including metrics, insights, and professional analysis aimed at networking and professional growth.

On Threads, the same professional might post a quick poll asking: “Just wrapped up a successful marketing campaign! 🚀 Which do you think contributed the most for our success?” 

This approach is more casual and geared towards sparking a quick conversation rather than formal networking.

So…are you ready to get started?

Setting up your Threads account

Setting up your account on Threads is pretty straightforward with these steps. 

1. Download and install the app 

You can download the Threads app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Once installed, launch the app and log in using your Instagram credentials. 

If you don’t have an Instagram account, you’ll need to create one, as Threads is integrated with Instagram.

2. Customize your profile 

When logged in, you can personalize your profile by adding a profile picture, bio, and a link.

First, click the profile icon at the lower right corner.

Then click on “edit profile.”

You’ll then land on this page…

Here, you can sync your profile picture, bio, and link from Instagram for consistency. 

Choose whether your profile will be public or private, depending on your preference. 

Of course, the best way to reach more people is to allow others to see what you post (so we recommend going public).

3. Follow relevant accounts 

Threads allows you to follow all your Instagram connections who are already on the platform. 

The feature ensures you don’t start from scratch and helps in building an initial follower base quickly.

How to post on Threads

Now that your account is up, you can create your first post or Thread.

Follow the steps below.

1. Creating a post

To create a post, tap the ‘+’ icon at the bottom of your screen or the composer at the top.

Enter your text, and if needed, add images, videos, GIFs, or polls. Threads supports various media types, making your posts more engaging.

Before posting, you can choose who can see your thread.

2. View your post options 

Click the three dots at the top right of your post to see your options, such as managing who can reply to it.

Select ‘Anyone,’ ‘Profiles you follow,’ or ‘Mentioned only.’

The feature helps in controlling the interaction on your posts.

3. Use the Threads features 

Threads offer several unique features:

• Repurposing Content: You can repurpose content from other social media platforms like Instagram Stories, TikTok videos, or Twitter threads
• Cross-Platform Integration: Threads content can be shared directly to Instagram, enhancing visibility on both platforms. Click the share button.

Choose how you want to share it.

How to build a following on Threads

Building a following on Threads requires a strategic approach that includes active engagement, consistent posting, leveraging trends, collaborating with influencers, and cross-promoting your profile.

Here are some practical tips to help you grow your audience on Threads:

Engage with other user content 

Just like any other social platforms, active engagement is crucial for building a following. 

Participate in conversations, reply to comments, and repost interesting threads. This interaction helps increase your visibility and attract followers.

Post regularly 

Regular posting keeps your audience engaged and attracts new followers.

Use a mix of content types, including text updates, images, videos, and interactive posts like polls.

Being on your phone 24/7 trying to create and post content can seem exhausting.

However, social media management platforms like Vista Social can help streamline your efforts and make the process more manageable.

With features like automated posting, content scheduling, and analytics, you can plan and execute your social media strategy more efficiently.

Use trends and hashtags 

Although Threads currently lacks a dedicated hashtag system, using keywords in your posts can improve discoverability. Stay updated with trends and incorporate them into your content to attract a wider audience.

Collaborate with influencers 

Collaborating with influencers in your niche can significantly boost your follower count.

Influencers can introduce your profile to their audience, broadening your reach.

Promote your Threads profile

Cross-promote your Threads profile on other social media platforms.

Encourage your Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook followers to join you on Threads for exclusive content and updates.

Steal followers from 10k+ pages 

Actually, you’re NOT stealing their followers. 

Here’s what you’re going to do: find pages with a similar niche as you.

You want pages with at least 10k followers.

Go to their posts and follow people who are engaging with them. If you’re just starting out, you’ll have a bigger chance of getting follow backs than organic follows.

Tips and tricks to optimize your Threads feed and account

Maximizing your Threads experience involves customizing your feed, enhancing privacy settings, utilizing dark mode, and refreshing your feed for new content.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Threads:

Customize your feed 

Threads offers two feed options: ‘For You’ and ‘Following.’ 

The ‘For You’ feed displays a mix of followed accounts and suggested content, while the ‘Following’ feed shows posts chronologically from accounts you follow. 

Switching between these feeds can help you discover new content and engage other users more effectively.

Enhance privacy settings 

Threads provides various privacy settings to control your experience. 

Through the app’s settings, you can limit who can mention you, mute profiles, and block unwanted interactions.

If you don’t like a certain post and want to mute or block that page, then just tap the 3 buttons at the upper right corner of the post.

Choose whichever actions you want to do (mute, block, report, or click “not interested” to reduce seeing posts similar to the one you clicked).

Repopulate your feed 

If your feed content isn’t appealing, refresh it by swiping down on the screen. The action updates the posts, providing new content to engage with.

Nail your efforts to use Threads to grow your following

By following this guide, you can effectively set up your Threads account, post engaging content, and start building a strong following. 

Remember to stay active, interact with your audience, and leverage the platform’s features to maximize your reach and impact.

Create a FREE Vista Social account today and take your social media to the moon!