How to Create a Threads Account Without Instagram

You’re ready to join the conversation on Threads but want to do it without linking to your main Instagram account or creating one at all. Here’s the deal: you can now use Threads without an active Instagram profile, but what that looks like has some important caveats. This guide will walk you through exactly how to get started on Threads, explain the difference between having a full profile and a browse-only experience, and give you the best workaround for creating a truly separate identity on the platform.

Clearing Up the Core Question: Can You Post on Threads Without an Instagram Account?

Let's get straight to the point: You cannot create a Threads account that can post, reply, or like content without linking it to an Instagram account. When Threads first launched, this was a hard requirement to onboard users quickly by leveraging Instagram's existing social graph. While Meta has since eased this restriction slightly, the core dependency on Instagram for full functionality remains.

This is because, behind the scenes, your Threads profile is fundamentally an extension of your Instagram identity. While this was great for kickstarting the platform - letting people instantly follow the same accounts they did on Instagram - it creates a frustrating hurdle for those wanting a completely separate or anonymous presence.

So, What Changed? Introducing the 'Browse-Only' Experience

Recently, Threads introduced a way to access the app without logging in through Instagram. This creates a "browse-only" or "logged-out" experience. It allows you to feel out the platform and see what conversations are happening before you commit to creating a profile.

Here’s what you can do in browse-only mode:

• View and read posts on your feed and on different profiles.
• Share a post to other platforms by copying its link.
• Search for different accounts.
• Report content that violates community guidelines.

However, the limitations are significant. Here’s what you cannot do without a linked profile:

• Create your own posts, threads, or polls.
• Like, reply to, or repost someone else's content.
• Follow other accounts.
• Customize your feed.

Think of it as looking through a glass window. You can see everything happening inside, but you can’t participate in the conversation. Anytime you try to interact, Threads will prompt you to create or log in with an Instagram account.

The Best Workaround: Create a New, Minimalist Instagram Account Just for Threads

If your goal is to have a fully functional Threads account that isn’t tied to your personal life, your business, or your main Instagram presence, the most effective solution is to create a companion Instagram account that acts solely as a key to unlock Threads. This new Instagram account can be a "ghost account" - existing for the sole purpose of enabling your Threads profile.

This approach gives you the best of both worlds: a fully independent Threads presence and full functionality on the platform. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.

Step 1: Create a Brand New Instagram Account

First, you’ll need to create a dedicated Instagram account that you'll use only for Threads verification. You can do this on your phone or desktop.

• Open the Instagram app or go to Instagram.com and select "Sign Up."
• Use a new or secondary email address. Don't use the same one associated with your primary Instagram account to avoid linking them.
• Choose a username. It can be something generic and unrelated to the handle you want on Threads, as it won't be seen by many people. Something like "[YourThreadsHandle]Login" works great.
• Set a secure password.

Step 2: Keep the Instagram Account Minimal and Private

The goal is for this new Instagram account to be practically invisible. You don’t need to build a following, post content, or even fill out the bio if you don’t want to.

• Make it private: Immediately go to your settings (Profile -> Menu -> Settings and privacy -> Account privacy) and flip the switch for "Private Account." This ensures no one stumbles upon your "ghost" account.
• Profile picture and bio: You can leave these blank or add a generic image and bio. It doesn't matter, as your Threads profile will be built fresh.
• Don't follow anyone (yet): Don't feel obligated to follow friends or family from this account. You'll choose who to follow directly on Threads.

You've now created a sterile Instagram account that functions only as an entry point for Threads.

Step 3: Sign Up for Threads Using Your New Account

Now for the main event. With your "ghost" Instagram account ready, you can create the Threads profile you actually want.

1. Download and open the Threads app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. At the bottom of the login screen, you'll see a prompt to log in with an Instagram account. Make sure you are logged into your newly created "ghost" Instagram account in the Instagram app.
3. When prompted, choose to log in with that new account.
4. Customize Your Threads Profile: This is where you build your new identity. You have the option to import your bio and profile picture from Instagram, but you should choose to do it manually. This is your chance to make your Threads profile completely different from the minimalist Instagram account it's linked to. Write a new bio, upload a new profile picture, and add a link.
5. Choose Your Privacy Settings: Just like on other platforms, you can choose between a public or private profile on Threads.
6. Pick Who to Follow: Threads will suggest following the same people your new Instagram account follows. Since it doesn’t follow anyone, you can skip this and start fresh, searching for people and brands directly on Threads that align with the new identity you're creating.

And that’s it! You now have a fully functional Threads account - you can post, like, reply, and build a following - all without it being visibly connected to your primary digital footprint.

Building Your Brand Organically on Your New Threads Account

You’ve successfully created a separate Threads presence. Now what? Starting fresh gives you a unique opportunity to build a community and brand from the ground up, focused entirely on the conversational nature of Threads. It’s an ideal platform for thought leadership, behind-the-scenes content, and genuine audience engagement.

Find Your Niche and Stick to It

Threads is less about polished visuals and more about your words and ideas. Whether you’re a writer, a marketer, a small business owner, or an artist, use this space to hone in on your expertise. Share valuable insights, ask thought-provoking questions, and offer advice. A focused profile is easier to grow than one that talks about everything.

Jump into Existing Conversations

Don’t just sit back and wait for people to find you. The best way to get noticed is to participate. Find larger accounts in your niche and add insightful comments to their threads. Don't just post "great post!", add to the conversation. Nuanced replies get way more attention and followers than broadcasting into the void.

Be Authentic and Personable

Unlike LinkedIn’s formality or Instagram’s visuals, Threads rewards authenticity. Share your honest thoughts, tell stories, and don’t be afraid to show some personality. People connect with people, not just faceless brands. Using humor, sharing small daily wins or struggles, and engaging in lighthearted banter can help you build a loyal following much faster.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, while you can't create a truly stand-alone Threads profile for posting and interacting just yet, the workaround of creating a minimalist, separate Instagram account is a simple and effective solution. It provides the clean slate you need to build a new presence on the platform without compromising the privacy or focus of your other social profiles.

Once your new Threads account is up and running, the challenge becomes managing it alongside your other social media channels. A new platform can quickly feel like another plate to spin. That’s why we built Postbase to make your life easier. Our visual calendar lets you plan and schedule content for Threads, Instagram, TikTok, and all your other platforms in one place, so you can build a consistent presence without constantly switching between apps and worrying about what to post next.