Key features of Threads: Synchronization with Instagram, text-based posts, and community engagement tools

The key features of Threads include synchronization with Instagram, text-based posts, and community engagement tools designed to foster real-time conversations and authentic interactions.

• Synchronization with Instagram: Threads is tightly integrated with Instagram, allowing users to log in with their Instagram accounts, automatically follow the same people they follow on Instagram, and maintain a seamless connection between the two platforms. This integration enables easy audience growth and smooth transitions for users and brands already active on Instagram.

• Text-Based Posts: Threads focuses primarily on text content, supporting posts up to 500 characters. Unlike Instagram, which is visually oriented, Threads emphasizes concise, text-centric updates, though it also supports photos, videos (up to 5 minutes), GIFs, and links to enrich posts. This makes it suitable for quick updates, conversations, and sharing ideas in a microblogging style similar to Twitter.

• Community Engagement Tools: Threads offers features that encourage meaningful dialogue and community building. These include a discovery feed showcasing a wide range of user content, the ability to join conversations in real time, and tools for brands to create value-driven discussions such as FAQs, educational content, and behind-the-scenes insights. The platform also supports privacy customization, letting users control who can see their posts (public or limited to Instagram followers).

Additional notable features include:

• No post editing initially, promoting authenticity and permanence, though editing was introduced later based on user feedback.

• Reposting and multilingual support to enhance content sharing and accessibility.

• Ad-free environment (currently), focusing on organic engagement without commercial interruptions, with plans for ads in the future.

• ActivityPub integration, allowing content sharing beyond Threads to the broader fediverse, expanding reach for brands and users.

Overall, Threads serves as a text-first social platform that complements Instagram by enabling streamlined, authentic conversations and community engagement with a familiar user base and interface.