What Is Threads? And How Is It Different fromTwitter?

Instagram Threads has recently emerged as a social media platform, presenting itself as a potential alternative to Twitter. While it shares some similarities with the popular blue bird network, there are notable differences that set it apart. Let’s explore the main distinctions between Instagram Threads and Twitter.
 

Character Limit

 
One of the key divergences between the two platforms lies in their character limits. Instagram Threads imposes a limit of 500 characters per post, whereas Twitter initially had a limit of 280 characters, which could be expanded with a paid subscription. In fact, Twitter’s Blue service now allows users to write up to a staggering 25,000 characters. This discrepancy provides Twitter with an advantage when it comes to longer-form content.
 

Video Duration

 
When it comes to sharing videos, Instagram Threads allows users to post up to 5 minutes of content, while Twitter only permits 2.20 minutes. However, Twitter’s Blue users enjoy the privilege of uploading videos of up to 60 minutes. This makes Instagram Threads more suitable for those looking to share longer videos, while Twitter caters to a range of preferences.
 

Likes

 
Another notable distinction is how likes are handled on each platform. Instagram Threads allows users to hide their likes, providing individuals with greater control over their social media experience.

In contrast, Twitter does not offer this option, and likes are always publicly visible. In this regard, Instagram Threads seems to outperform Twitter’s free version. However, it remains to be seen whether Meta, the parent company of Instagram, will introduce a paid program and what additional features it might offer, especially for verified accounts.
 

Trends and Topics

 
In terms of the user experience, Twitter offers the ability to view trends and explore a wide range of topics of interest, providing users with a broader view of what’s happening on the platform. Conversely, Instagram Threads primarily focuses on the user’s own content and their wall, limiting exposure to trending topics. This difference showcases the contrasting approaches of the two platforms when it comes to content discovery.
 

Signup and Accessibility

 
Signing up and creating an account on Twitter is relatively straightforward, whereas using Instagram Threads requires an existing Instagram account. This aspect gives Threads an edge over most Twitter competitors because it uses Instagram to immediately build your following and populate your feed. By leveraging your existing Instagram network, Threads provides users with a head start in terms of establishing connections and engaging with content.
 

Filtering and Drafts

 
Twitter allows users to filter their feeds by the accounts they follow, offering a more tailored experience. In contrast, Instagram Threads is more limited in this aspect. Additionally, Twitter users have the advantage of saving drafts, which can be a convenient feature for those who want to refine their posts before sharing. Unfortunately, Threads currently lacks the ability to save drafts. Furthermore, Threads users cannot view the likes of other users, setting it apart from Twitter’s more open approach.

In conclusion, although Instagram Threads and Twitter may appear visually similar, there are notable differences that distinguish them. From character limits and video durations to the handling of likes and content discovery, each platform offers a distinct user experience. Furthermore, Threads’ integration with Instagram gives it an advantage over most Twitter competitors by leveraging an existing network to immediately build a following and populate the feed. Ultimately, the choice between Meta’s solution and Elon Musk’s app will depend on individual preferences and the specific features that align with their social media needs.