How to Use Instagram Threads

So, you’ve decided to figure out Instagram Threads. Whether you’re looking for a fresh space to connect with your audience or just curious about Meta's take on a text-based app, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything from setting up your profile to simple strategies that build a real community, skipping the fluff and getting straight to what works.

What is Instagram Threads? A Quick Refresher

Instagram Threads is a text-focused social media app designed for public conversations and real-time updates. Think of it as a conversational extension of Instagram, where your thoughts, ideas, and quick updates take center stage, rather than highly polished visuals. While it shares some DNA with platforms like X (formerly Twitter), its biggest differentiator is its direct integration with your Instagram account, allowing you to carry over your username, bio, and even your followers from day one.

For brands and creators, it represents an opportunity to add a new dimension to their social presence. On Instagram, you showcase the final product, on Threads, you can share the journey. It's a place for behind-the-scenes thoughts, asking open-ended questions, getting direct feedback, and engaging in casual, ongoing dialogues with the people who follow you. The vibe is intentionally more relaxed and less curated, rewarding authenticity over perfection.

Getting Started: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Threads Profile

Getting onto Threads is incredibly straightforward, thanks to its deep connection with Instagram. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be up and running in minutes.

1. Download the App and Log In

First things first, head to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the "Threads, an Instagram app." Once installed, open it. The app will immediately recognize the Instagram accounts you're logged into on your device. Simply tap the Instagram handle you want to use for your Threads profile to begin.

2. Customize Your Profile (Or Don't!)

Threads will give you two options for your profile:

• Import from Instagram: With a single tap, you can pull your existing Instagram bio and profile link directly into Threads. This is the fastest way to get started and maintains brand consistency across both platforms.
• Write a New Bio: You can also choose to write a brand new bio specifically for Threads. This is a great chance to adopt a more conversational or personal tone than you might use on your main Instagram grid. For example, your IG bio might be "Official account for [Brand]," while your Threads bio could be "Thoughts, ideas, and bad jokes from the team at [Brand]."

Your profile picture and username are automatically carried over from Instagram and cannot be changed on Threads alone, you'll have to change them on Instagram to see the update reflected.

3. Decide on Public or Private

You can choose for your Threads profile to be public (anyone can see and interact with your content) or private (only approved followers can). It’s worth noting that if you’re under 16, your profile will be private by default. For most brands and creators aiming for reach and engagement, a public profile is the way to go. Your choice here doesn’t affect your Instagram account’s privacy settings.

4. Follow Your Instagram Connections

This is where the magic of the Instagram integration really shines. Threads will show you a list of all the accounts you currently follow on Instagram. You have the option to "Follow all" with one tap, or you can go through and select them individually. If someone you want to follow isn't on Threads yet, you can still follow their "pending" profile. The moment they join, you'll automatically be following them. This feature makes it incredibly easy to rebuild your network without starting from zero.

Mastering the Basics: How to Create and Interact on Threads

Once your profile is set, it's time to learn the language of the platform. Interacting on Threads is intuitive, but knowing the nuances of each feature will help you engage more effectively.

Crafting Your First Post

Tap the center icon at the bottom of the screen to open the composer. Here’s what you can include in a single post:

• Text: You have up to 500 characters to share your thoughts. This is nearly double what you get on X, giving you more room to flesh out an idea.
• Photos & Videos: You can add up to 10 photos or a video up to five minutes long. The format is much more flexible than Instagram Reels or Stories - any aspect ratio generally works.
• Links: Simply paste a URL into the composer, and Threads will generate a clickable preview card.
• Polls: Tap the poll icon to create a poll with up to four options. They run for 24 hours and are an excellent way to boost engagement.
• GIFs & Voice Notes: Tap the "GIF" button to add some visual flair or the microphone icon to record a short voice note for a more personal touch.

Want to create a true "thread" with multiple posts? After writing your first post, just hit "Return" a few times, and you'll see a prompt to "Add to thread." This lets you chain multiple posts together into a single, cohesive story or thought.

Engaging with Other Users

Below every post on Threads, you’ll see four icons. Here’s what they do:

• Like (Heart): A simple way to show appreciation for a post.
• Reply (Speech Bubble): This is where community happens. Joining discussions by replying is one of the best ways to get noticed.
• Repost (Two Arrows): Think of this as a retweet. It shares someone else's post to your own followers' feeds exactly as it appeared. A simple repost spreads a message.
• Quote (Speech Bubble with Arrows): This lets you repost someone's content while adding your own commentary above it. It's perfect for adding your perspective to a trending topic or asking your followers what they think about someone else's post.

Strategies for Authentic Growth and Engagement

Using Threads is easy. Using it well to grow your brand takes a bit more intention. The good news is, the strategies are much more about conversation and less about complicated content creation.

Find Your "Threads Voice"

This isn't the place for perfect, polished marketing copy. Success on Threads comes from being human. Develop a voice that’s authentic to you or your brand. Are you helpful and educational? Witty and sarcastic? Curious and inquisitive? Don't be afraid to show some personality. Share what you’re working on, ask for advice, or even post a random shower thought related to your industry. People connect with people.

Leverage Every Post Format

Don't just post text. Mix up your content to keep your feed interesting and encourage different types of interaction:

• Use Polls for Feedback: Ask your audience to vote on a new product color, decide which blog topic you should write next, or settle a silly debate. Polls are low-effort for your followers to engage with and give you valuable insights.
• Start Discussions with Open-Ended Questions: Instead of making a statement, frame it as a question. "We think the best productivity hack is X. What's yours?" is far more engaging than "The best productivity hack is X."
• Share Quick Behind-the-Scenes Media: Snap a quick photo of your workspace or a short, behind-the-scenes video of your team brainstorming. This content feels raw and exclusive to Threads, making your followers feel like insiders.

Become a Community Member, Not Just a Broadcaster

The biggest mistake brands make on new platforms is treating them as another monologue channel. Spend as much time replying to others as you do creating your own posts. Use the search function to find keywords related to your industry and jump into relevant conversations. When someone influential reposts you or a customer replies with a kind word, engage back thoughtfully. Meaningful connections are built in the replies section.

Cross-Promote with Purpose

Make sure your Instagram audience knows you're active on Threads. You can easily share one of your compelling threads directly to your Instagram Story with a single tap. This is a powerful way to drive your existing followers over to the new platform. To do so, tap the paper airplane icon under your thread and select "Add to a Story." It creates a clean, branded card that links directly back to your post on Threads.

Content Ideas to Get You Started on Threads

Staring at a blank composer? Here are some simple, effective ideas that work for any brand or creator:

• Share a quick tip or a "hot take" related to your industry.
• Post a behind-the-scenes photo of your team or creative process.
• Ask an open-ended question that your audience can't help but answer.
• Run a poll asking for feedback on a new idea.
• Announce flash sales or exclusive bits of news just for your Threads followers.
• React to a current event or trending topic within your niche.
• Share a personal story about a win (or even a failure) and what you learned.
• Give a shout-out to another creator or brand you admire.
• Start an "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) thread where your followers can ask questions about your work.

Final Thoughts

Instagram Threads rewards authenticity and fast, genuine conversations. By mastering the basic features and focusing on building community through replies and discussions, you can open up a meaningful and effective new channel to connect with your audience. Don't overthink it, a relaxed, conversational approach will take you far.

Juggling all these new conversations on Threads alongside Reels, Stories, and your other social channels can be a challenge. In our experience building Postbase, we obsessed over creating a clear, simple visual calendar to manage that complexity. It lets you see and schedule all your content in one organized place - so you can plan your posts for Threads, Instagram, and TikTok at the same time, keeping the conversation going without getting overwhelmed by app-switching.