Threads 🧵 vs Twitter 🐦: Comparing the Best Social Media Platforms

Threads vs Twitter which is better? Opinions vary greatly when it comes to comparing Threads and Twitter, as individuals have their own unique perspectives on these social media platforms.

On July 6, Meta officially launched a new app called Threads. It is a social network, analog and direct Twitter rival, built on a decentralized infrastructure. To do this, the developers used the ActivityPub technology.

Although the Threads app is currently unavailable in the European Union (EU), its initial launch on the App Store has garnered significant attention and traction.

Within the first four hours of release, an impressive five million users downloaded the new Twitter rival app. And within less than 7 hours, the platform has already attracted over 10 million users. At the time of writing, the Instagram Threads app has recorded over 70 million sign ups.

In this Threads vs Twitter Comparison, we will help you decide which of these social media platforms is best for you.

What is Threads app?

Threads app is a social network that bears a striking resemblance to Twitter in terms of its visual design and seamlessly integrates with users’ Instagram accounts.

With deep integration with Instagram, the Threads platform offers various functionalities. Users can create text messages, add images and videos, follow other users, comment on their posts, share content, and more. It functions as an extension of Instagram, enhancing the overall user experience.

Instagram will facilitate rapid uptake of the new platform by allowing synced handles, profile pictures, and posts. It will also help to transfer almost all data: posts, subscribers, subscriptions, and even blocked users. It will let your audience know about the opportunity to follow you on the new platform.

How to use the Threads app?

To use the Threads app, you must have an existing Instagram account, as the app prompts you to log in with your Instagram credentials upon installation. Once logged in, Threads conveniently imports your Instagram username, while still allowing you to personalize your profile to your liking.

One notable feature of Threads is its ability to automatically follow the same accounts you already follow on Instagram. This spares you the hassle of manually searching for and reconnecting with all your friends and followers on the Threads platform.

Alternatively, you also have the flexibility to selectively choose which accounts to follow, giving you greater control over your Threads experience. This indicates that the Instagram Threads app already has over 2 billion ready-made users.

Where can I download Threads?

The Threads app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. We must remember that Threads is mainly available through mobile applications. Threads.net, the website of the Threads app, currently serves as a redirect to the app download page. This setup may not be ideal for individuals who primarily use Twitter on their laptops and PCs, as the service lacks a dedicated website for convenient access and usage.

Why is Threads not available in the EU?

As of now, the Twitter rival app, Threads, is not available to consumers within the European Union (EU). This restriction is due to the complexities associated with ensuring compliance with upcoming regulations, including the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

These legal requirements pose challenges to the app’s accessibility and operation within the EU market. Meta has decided to hold off on launching in the EU to ensure forward compatibility and compliance with the regulations.

Which celebrities joined Threads?

Celebrities who signed up include the likes of Gordon Ramsey, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. Within hours of launch, major news organizations and brands joined them.

Curious about the celebrities who have joined Threads? The platform boasts an impressive roster of notable personalities. From entertainment icons like Kris Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, to music sensations such as Shakira, Wizkid and Burnaboy.

Mark Zuckerberg, who has not used his Twitter account for a long time, has been actively posting since Threads launched.

Influential figures like the Dalai Lama and Oprah have also made their presence felt. While Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and even the enigmatic Elon Musk have yet to join, their absence only adds to the anticipation. Interestingly, Elon Musk, once an avid Instagram user, bid farewell to the platform in 2018 by deleting his account.

Threads vs. Twitter – Major differences

Let’s now compare Threads vs Twitter to help you better decide between these two dynamic social media platforms.

Threads, a social media app owned by Mark Zuckerberg, was launched in 2023 and currently boasts 10 million active users. However, it is important to note that Threads is not available in EU countries.

One notable difference between Threads and Twitter is the video limits. Threads allows users to upload videos up to 5 minutes long, surpassing Twitter’s maximum video length of 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

Threads also offers a unique character limit for posts, allowing users to express themselves with up to 500 characters, almost double the standard 280 characters on Twitter. Furthermore, Threads provides users with the option to publish their posts publicly, privately, or restrict access to approved users only.

However, there are some limitations on Threads. At its launch, the app did not include the ability to save draft messages, which could be a drawback for users who prefer to compose their posts over time. Additionally, unlike Twitter, Threads does not display the number of likes on other users’ profiles.

While Threads has its own set of features and appeals to a specific audience, Twitter, owned by Elon Musk, has been a well-established social media platform since its creation in 2006. With approximately 396.5 million active users, Twitter is available in most countries around the world, except for China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that Threads currently does not offer advertising integration, setting it apart from Twitter. It remains to be seen whether Meta, the parent company of Threads, will introduce advertising in the future. In contrast, Twitter incorporates advertising into its platform and maintains a maximum video length of 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

The presence of paid advertising on Twitter provides businesses and brands with opportunities to reach a vast audience and engage with users in a promotional context. This distinction highlights the different approaches and offerings of these two social media platforms.

Post topics in Threads must also comply with Instagram’s rules, which are usually stricter than Twitter’s rules.

For example, nudity is prohibited in them. This means that controversial topics are also likely to be more tightly controlled.

More notable differences

Unlike Twitter, Threads is compatible with Mastodon because both platforms use the ActivityPub protocol. However, this functionality is not yet available on the platform. Note that Twitter has previously blocked link exchanges with competing platforms like Mastodon and Instagram.

Threads lacks the direct messaging (DMs) feature that is available on Twitter and other major social media networks. This omission can pose challenges for journalists and brands that rely on private messaging for communication and customer service.

Another notable difference is the way posts are displayed in the Threads feed. Unlike Twitter, which shows posts from users you follow, Threads pulls in posts from all users. This can make it difficult to find specific content from the users or brands you have chosen to follow.

Additionally, Threads adopts an algorithmic ranking system for displaying content, similar to Instagram’s feed. Unlike Twitter’s chronological order, Threads prioritizes posts based on algorithms, which can potentially alter the visibility and reach of posts regardless of their posting time.

Hashtags, a core feature of Twitter, are not available in Threads. This limitation restricts the ability to discover specific topics or trending content using hashtags, which has been a significant element of Twitter’s engagement and content discovery.

Furthermore, Threads lacks a feature for searching specific text or phrases, making it challenging to locate specific discussions or content within the app.

One aspect to consider is the accessibility of the platforms. Threads is exclusively available through iOS or Android apps and do not provide a desktop website. Whereas Twitter is accessible through various devices, including desktop computers.

Lastly, deleting a Threads account is currently tied to deleting an Instagram account. Users might find it inconvenient that Threads lacks a standalone account deletion option, requiring them to delete their associated Instagram account as well. This limitation restricts their ability to have independent control over their accounts, which is a feature available on Twitter.

Threads vs Twitter Comparison: Which is better?

When it comes to choosing between Twitter vs Threads, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a social media platform. Twitter has been around since 2006 and boasts a massive user base of over 396.5 million active users worldwide. It’s a global platform that allows you to connect with a diverse range of people and stay updated on trending topics. Plus, Twitter offers advertising options, which can be a great way to promote your business or engage with your audience.

On the other hand, Threads is a newer app owned by Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook. It offers some unique features, like longer message lengths of up to 500 characters, giving you more room to express yourself. The integration with Instagram can also be appealing if you’re already a fan of that platform. However, it’s important to note that Threads is not accessible in the EU due to compliance complexities.

Considering these factors, if you’re looking for a wider reach and a platform with established advertising capabilities, Twitter might be the way to go. It’s a well-established platform that has proven its value over the years. However, if you prefer a more personalized experience and enjoy longer messages, Threads could be an interesting option for you.

Ultimately, the decision boils down to your personal preferences and goals. We hope this Threads vs Twitter Comparison has been of great help. Take some time to explore both platforms, consider what you want to achieve, and choose the one that aligns best with your needs and interests.