How to Post on Threads

Ready to figure out how to post on Threads? This guide breaks down everything from creating your first post and mastering multi-part threads to using advanced features like polls and voice notes to build an engaged community. We’ll show you exactly how to craft content that connects, starts conversations, and helps you grow your presence on Instagram's text-based platform.

The Anatomy of a Threads Post: What You Can Share

Unlike its sibling Instagram, Threads is primarily a text-first platform, but that doesn't mean your creativity is limited. Understanding the building blocks of a post is the first step to creating content that stands out. Each piece has its own strength, and the best creators mix and match them to keep their feeds interesting.

1. Text (Up to 500 Characters)

The heart of Threads is the written word. You have 500 characters to share a thought, ask a question, tell a short story, or drop a witty observation. This is significantly more than X (formerly Twitter), giving you a bit more room to breathe. The vibe on Threads is generally more casual and conversational, so don't be afraid to let your personality show. Think of it less like a press release and more like a group chat with your audience.

2. Photos, Videos, and GIFs

Visuals are still powerful on Threads. You can add more than just one, too:

• Photos & GIFs: You can upload up to 10 photos or GIFs in a single post. This is perfect for sharing event recaps, behind-the-scenes content, photo dumps, or creating a visual mini-story.
• Videos: You can share a video up to 5 minutes long. This is great for quick tutorials, commentary, personal updates, or sharing clips that add context to your text.

Remember that all media appears in a horizontal carousel, so users will swipe through to see everything you've included.

3. Links

Sharing links is simple. Just paste a URL directly into your post, and Threads will automatically generate a preview card with a title, description, and featured image. This makes it a great platform for driving traffic to your blog, a new product page, or a recent YouTube video. The preview card is clean and doesn't count against your 500-character limit.

4. Polls

Want to quickly gauge your audience's opinion? Polls are a fantastic way to do it. You can create a poll with up to four customizable options. They run for 24 hours and are an excellent tool for increasing engagement, conducting light market research, or just having some fun with your followers. Ask them to help you choose a new logo color, decide on your next blog topic, or settle a silly debate.

5. Voice Notes

For a more personal touch, you can add a voice note to your thread. This feature allows you to record a short audio clip directly within the app. It's a fantastic way to convey tone and emotion that text alone can't capture. Use it to share an authentic thought, tell a quick story, or give a friendly update. It makes your content feel more human and less robotic.

6. Tags (One Per Post)

Threads has a unique take on hashtags. Instead of letting you use dozens, you can only add one clickable tag per post. When you type "#" and start writing, Threads will suggest topics. Once you select one, it becomes a blue, tappable link that helps users find other posts about that same subject. This limitation makes your choice of tag very important, so you'll want to pick the most relevant one for discoverability.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your First Post on Threads

It's easy to get started. Posting on Threads is designed to be quick and intuitive. Here’s a simple walkthrough of publishing your very first post.

1. Open the Threads App: Tap the Threads icon on your phone to get started.
2. Tap the "New Thread" Icon: You'll find this icon centered in the bottom navigation menu. It looks like a pen and pad.
3. Compose Your Post: This is where you write your text. Below the text box, you'll see icons for adding media. Tap the paperclip icon to attach photos or videos from your gallery, the microphone to record a voice note, or the three-bar icon to create a poll.
4. Tag Accounts (Optional): If you want to mention another person or brand, type the "@" symbol followed by their username. They'll get a notification that you've tagged them.
5. Add a Topic Tag (Optional): Type "#" and start typing your topic. Select the most relevant one from the list to make your post searchable under that tag.
6. Control Who Can Reply: Before you post, look in the bottom left corner. You’ll see a line of text like "Anyone can reply". Tap it to change who can engage with your post. Your options are "Anyone," "Profiles you follow," or "Mentioned only." This is helpful for managing conversations.
7. Hit "Post": Once you're happy with your creation, tap the "Post" button in the bottom right corner. Congratulations, your first thread is live!

Mastering the Multi-Post Thread

"Threads" isn't just the name of the app, it's also its core feature. A "thread" is a series of connected posts that allow you to tell a longer story or break down a complex topic. This is how you can go beyond the 500-character limit and keep your audience engaged from one post to the next.

How to Create a Multi-Post Thread

The process is built directly into the composer.

• Start Your First Post: Write your initial post in the composer. This is the hook that will get people to read on.
• Tap "Add to thread": Once you've finished your first post, tap the "Add to thread" button conveniently located underneath your text. Another composer box will appear right below the first.
• Compose Your Next Post: Write the second part of your story or point. You can continue this process for as many posts as you need to get your message across.
• Post Everything at Once: When your entire thread is complete, just hit the "Post" button. The app will publish all the parts in sequence, neatly connected for your followers to read.

When to Use a Multi-Post Thread

This format is incredibly versatile. Here are a few strategic ways to use it:

• Storytelling: Share a step-by-step narrative about a project, an event, or a personal experience. Each post can be a chapter in your mini-story.
• Listicles: Break down a list like "5 Tips for Better Content" or "My Top 3 Favorite Books." Give each point its own post to add detail without creating a wall of text.
• Tutorials and How-Tos: Guide your audience through a process. For example, a fitness coach could share a workout, with each exercise described in a separate post in the thread, complete with a photo or short video.
• Live-Tweeting (Live-Threading?): Comment on an event, a TV show, or a conference in real-time. Each new thought becomes another entry in your ongoing thread.

A good multi-post thread tells a story and makes people hungry for the next part. End each post with a hook that makes them want to keep scrolling.

Advanced Strategies for Engaging Content on Threads

Now that you know the mechanics, let's talk strategy. Posting consistently is one thing, posting content that actually builds a brand and fosters community is another. Here’s how to level up your Threads game.

Find Your Authentic Voice

Threads isn't LinkedIn. It’s not even the highlights-reel perfection of an Instagram feed. The platform rewards authenticity, conversation, and personality. Brands that succeed here sound less like a corporation and more like a real person. Share your opinions, ask questions, admit when you don't know something, and don't be afraid to show a sense of humor. People connect with people, not logos.

Create a Diverse Content Mix

Don't just post links to your blog every day. Mix it up to keep your followers engaged. A great content strategy for Threads could include:

• Open-Ended Questions: Posts that start with "What's the one thing..." or "Hot take, but..." are designed to start conversations.
• Behind-the-Scenes Peeks: Use a simple phone photo or a quick video to show what's happening at your office, your event, or in your creative process.
• Value-Packed Lists: A multi-post thread sharing quick, actionable tips related to your industry establishes you as an authority.
• Polls for Fun & Feedback: Use polls to let your audience feel involved. Ask them what content they'd like to see next or get their opinion on a new idea.
• Voice Note Check-ins: Once in a while, drop a voice note to share a quick thought. It feels incredibly personal and helps build a stronger connection.

Don't Just Broadcast - Participate

Social media is a two-way street. Your job doesn’t end when you hit "Post." The real magic happens in the replies.

• Reply to Comments: When people take the time to comment on your posts, acknowledge them! A simple reply can turn a passive follower into a loyal fan.
• Follow and Engage with Others: Don't just stay on your own page. Follow other creators and brands in your niche and leave thoughtful comments on their posts. This is one of the best ways to get discovered organically.
• Quote and Repost Thoughtfully: Use the "Quote" feature to add your own perspective to someone else's post. This shows you're paying attention to the conversation and adds value beyond a simple repost. Be a thoughtful hub of information for your niche, not just a broadcaster of your own thoughts.

By shifting your mindset from simply posting to actively participating, your Threads presence will become much more dynamic and rewarding.

Final Thoughts

Threads offers a fresh space for genuine conversation and community building, separate from the polished aesthetic of Instagram. By mastering the basics of posting - from single updates with polls and voice notes to intricate, multi-part threads - you can craft content that truly resonates and encourages interaction.

Once you get the hang of posting on Threads, the next step is fitting it into your overall social media strategy. We found juggling content creation for Threads alongside our other channels like Instagram and TikTok was becoming a time drain, so we built Postbase to streamline everything. It lets us plan and schedule all our content - including short-form videos and Threads - from one central visual calendar, which saves us hours of tedious work every single week.