How to Get a Threads Account

Getting set up on Threads takes just a few minutes, linking directly to the Instagram account you already have. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from downloading the app to crafting your first post, so you can join the conversation with a profile built for success.

What Exactly is Threads? A Quick Refresher

Launched by Meta in mid-2023, Threads is a text-focused social media platform designed for real-time updates and public conversations. Think of it as a conversational extension of Instagram, where the emphasis shifts from glossy visuals to written thoughts, humor, and dialogue. While it shares some DNA with platforms like X (formerly Twitter), it’s tightly integrated with your Instagram identity, allowing you to carry your username and followers over seamlessly.

The core experience is a scrolling feed of short posts (up to 500 characters), which can include links, photos, and videos up to five minutes long. It's a space built for quick takes, community engagement, and sharing what’s on your mind right now. For brands and creators, it’s a powerful new channel for building community, showing a more human side, and engaging directly with an audience that already follows you on Instagram.

The One Thing You Need Before You Start

Before you can create a Threads account, you need one essential thing: an active Instagram account.

There is currently no way to sign up for Threads without an Instagram profile. Your Threads account is intrinsically linked to your Instagram account - they share the same username, and your login is handled through Instagram's authentication system. This integration is by design, it was created to make setup incredibly fast and help you find people you already know the moment you join.

So, before you proceed, make sure you have your Instagram app installed and you’re logged into the account you want to connect to Threads.

How to Get a Threads Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get started? The sign-up process is one of the smoothest in social media. Follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Download the Threads App

First things first, head to your device’s app store.

• For iPhone users, open the Apple App Store.
• For Android users, open the Google Play Store.

Search for "Threads, an Instagram app" and tap to download and install it. The icon is a simple, white '@' symbol on a black background.

Step 2: Log In with Your Instagram Account

Once you open the Threads app for the first time, you'll see a login screen. At the bottom, it will display a button that says, "Log in with [your_instagram_username]."

If you're logged into that Instagram account on your phone, you can just tap this button. Threads will automatically use your Instagram credentials to sign you up. If you manage multiple Instagram accounts, the app will let you choose which one you want to use for Threads.

Step 3: Customize Your Profile

This is your first major choice. Threads gives you two options to set up your new profile:

• Import from Instagram: With a single tap, you can automatically pull your existing bio and profile link directly from your Instagram account. Your profile picture and username are automatically carried over. This is the fastest option and is perfect for creators and brands who want to maintain brand consistency across platforms.
• Write a new bio: You can also choose to write a brand-new bio and add a different link specifically for your Threads profile. This is a great choice if you want to use Threads for a different purpose than Instagram. For instance, your Instagram might be visually focused on your products, while you want Threads to be a place for industry discussion and personal thoughts.

Don’t worry too much about getting it perfect right away. You can always edit your bio and link later directly within the Threads app.

Step 4: Choose Your Privacy Setting

Next, you’ll be asked to choose between a public or private profile.

• Public Profile: Anyone, whether they are on Threads or not, can see and interact with your content. This is the recommended setting for brands, creators, and anyone trying to grow an audience and maximize reach.
• Private Profile: Only your approved followers can see and engage with what you share. This is a better option if you plan to use Threads for personal conversations with a trusted group of friends or family.

Note that this setting can be different from your Instagram privacy setting. You can have a public Threads profile even if your connected Instagram account is private, and vice versa.

Step 5: Follow People You Already Know

Because Threads is connected to Instagram, it will present you with a list of all the accounts you currently follow on Instagram who have also joined Threads. You have two options here:

• Follow All: Tap the "Follow all" button to automatically follow everyone from your Instagram list. This is the quickest way to populate your feed with familiar faces and content.
• Follow Individually: You can also scroll through the list and select specific accounts to follow one by one. This gives you more control over curating your initial Threads feed.

Even if an account you follow on Instagram hasn't joined Threads yet, you can still tap "Follow." Their follow request from you will be pending, and you'll automatically follow them as soon as they create an account.

Step 6: Join Threads! Welcome to the Conversation

After a quick screen explaining how Threads works (and its connection to the "fediverse," a network of decentralized social platforms), you’ll see a final "Join Threads" button. Tap it, and you're in! You’ll be taken straight to your main feed, where you can start scrolling, replying, and posting your own content.

Setting Up Your Threads Profile for Success

Getting your account is the easy part. Turning it into a destination for engagement is where the real work begins. Here’s how to start strong.

Craft a Bio That Connects

Whether you imported your bio from Instagram or wrote a new one, take a moment to refine it. Your Threads bio is a prime opportunity to clearly state who you are and what people can expect from you on this text-first platform.

• Be Clear and Concise: Who are you? What do you talk about? Use keywords related to your niche or industry.
• Show Your Personality: Threads is a more casual space than LinkedIn. Don't be afraid to add a touch of humor or a personal tidbit that makes you more relatable.
• Include a Call-to-Action (CTA): Though you only get one link, use your bio text to point people toward it. For example, "Founder of [Your Brand]. 👇 Check out our latest project below."

Your First Post: Don't Overthink It

Your first post doesn't have to be a masterpiece. Its main job is to announce your arrival and kickstart conversation. Try one of these ideas:

• Simple Introduction: "Hey everyone, excited to be here on Threads! You can expect me to be talking all about [Your Niche/Topics]." Ask a question to encourage replies, like, "What’s the one thing you’re hoping to see here?"
• Ask a Question: Jump right into engagement. Post a question relevant to your audience. For example, a social media manager might post, "Okay, first Threads post! What's the one social media myth you're totally tired of hearing?"
• Share Behind the Scenes: Use this new platform to offer a different perspective. "We've officially made it to Threads! Here’s a look at what our team is working on today."

Build Your Brand by Joining the Conversation

Organic growth on Threads is less about broadcasting and more about participating. The most successful accounts, big and small, spend a significant amount of time replying to other people's posts.

• Find Relevant Conversations: Search for keywords or accounts in your industry and jump into the comments. Add value, share an opinion, or ask a thoughtful follow-up question.
• Experiment with Content: While it’s text-first, don’t forget you can post photos, GIFs, and videos. See what resonates with your audience. Polls, created with text and emojis (like 👍 for option A, ❤️ for option B), are also a fantastic way to boost engagement.
• Be Consistent: Show up regularly. You don’t need to post 10 times a day, but aim for consistency so your audience knows what to expect. Finding a sustainable rhythm is more important than posting frantically.

Can You Get a Threads Account Without Instagram?

This is a common question, and the answer - for now - is no.

Currently, an Instagram account is mandatory to create and use a Threads profile. However, Meta and the head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, have spoken extensively about their long-term vision for Threads to join the "fediverse." This is a decentralized network where users from different social platforms (like Mastodon) can interact with one another. In theory, a future where you could have a Threads account that isn't tied to Instagram is possible, but it is not the reality today. For the foreseeable future, your Instagram and Threads profiles will remain linked.

Final Thoughts

Getting a Threads account is a straightforward process that takes minutes, leveraging your existing Instagram presence to get you started quickly. The real opportunity lies in what you do next - building a unique voice, engaging in authentic conversations, and creating content that connects with an audience in a fresh, text-centric format.

Managing yet another social platform can feel like a lot to add to your plate. When creating content for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, finding time for a text-based platform like Threads can be a challenge. At Postbase, we designed our visual calendar to give you a clear view of your entire content strategy across all these platforms at once, making it simple to spot gaps and plan your Threads content right alongside your videos and photos. It helps you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed, handling the modern social media landscape as it really is today.