What is Instagram Threads and how does it work?
This page was translated using AI and machine learning.
(Pocket-lint) – Instagram, owned by Facebook, launched a new standalone app to download and try in late 2019.
Called Threads, it’s actually a messaging app that Facebook says should be used by your closest friends to share text, photos, and videos. It is an Instagram companion and therefore falls under Instagram umbrella.
So, you won’t see the Facebook brand anywhere on this app. This is how it works.
What are Instagram Threads?
Threads is described as an “on-camera priority messaging application”. Instagram said it offers ways to allow its users to visually share more, such as through stories or direct messaging. Threads aims to develop this; it is specifically meant to help you communicate what you do and how you feel through photos and videos with your close friends in a “private” space.
How does Threads work?
You can use Threads to share photos, videos, messages, and stories with your list of “close friends” on Instagram – and you have full control over who can reach you. The application consists of three main parts: the camera, the inbox and the status screen.
Camera
Similar to Snapchat, the camera view is the default screen when you open the app. From there you can take photos and videos. There are no filters available. But there are shortcuts to your close friends, so if you use Threads to send a message to just two or three people, you pin their profile picture to the bottom of the camera screen. To send them a photo, tap their photo and swipe up to send it.
You can choose to save all the photos and videos you take using Threads to your phone’s Camera Roll or Gallery.
Mailbox
The Inbox is basically your Instagram direct messages, but in Threads you will only see conversations from your close friends. Group chats are also available if everyone involved in the chat is listed among your close friends.
Status screen
Do you remember the absence message from AOL? This is the status screen. To create a status, choose an emoji and enter a status (or choose a generic status created by Instagram). Then specify how long to keep the status. You can choose between one and four hours.
There is also an “Automatic Status”, which will update your status throughout the day. So, for example, Auto Status can use your location to show your friends that you are “in a cafe”, or if you are riding a bike, that you are “on the move”. Yes, that means Instagram passively asks for your location, movements, network, and even battery level, but it promises not to store your exact location.
In addition, at all times, your status will only be visible to your close friends in Threads.
How to add people as close friends
Threads works with your close Instagram friends list. If you don’t have a list, you can create one on Threads when you download the app:
- Open the discussion threads.
- From the camera, tap Home at the top.
- Tap the hamburger menu at the top left.
- Tap Close Friends.
- Tap next to your friend’s name to add or remove them from your close friends list.
- Tap Done.
To create a close friends list on Instagram itself, follow these steps:
- Open Instagram.
- Tap the profile icon at the bottom right.
- Tap the hamburger menu at the top right.
- Tap Close Friends.
- Tap Add next to the people you want to add to your close friends list.
- You can also tap Search to search for a friend.
- Tap Done when you’re done adding people to your list.
How to download threads
Instagram Threads is available for iOS and Android mobile devices.
Want to know more?
Check out the Instagram Threads blog post or the Threads FAQ hub to learn more.
Written by Maggie Tillman. Edited by Max Freeman-Mills. Originally published on .