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Are Chatbots the Communication Strategy of the Future?

Our team has been abuzz after the launch of the Threads app, a dynamic social platform from Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram. Even though it’s brand new, the app is already making waves in the digital sphere. This new app garnered tens of millions of signups within its first few days – making it the fastest growing app of all time. On July 7th it had 49 million users, but just as quickly it has declined to roughly 23.6 million users on July 14th according to a new report from SimilarWeb. It also reported that in the U.S. engagement went from 21 minutes per day to just over six minutes during the same period.   So, is this new app worth the hype? Will it replace Twitter? And should your brand join? We’ve got answers to your most pressing questions!   

What is Threads?

Threads is a text-based sharing app that is rooted in the Instagram ecosystem and was designed to be a competitor to Twitter. Those with an Instagram account can use their username and login to automatically create a Threads handle. The platform also offers an easy way for users to follow the same accounts on Threads that they are following on Instagram. This reduces any need to build an audience on the platform and immediately creates a personalized experience. Posts can be crosspromoted to Instagram stories, reaching your audience wherever they are spending their time.   Those that want a Threads account and don’t have Instagram can create a profile on the photo-sharing platform and then subsequently create a Threads account.   With so many similarities and in direct competition with Twitter, it is important to understand its key differences.  

How does it compare to Twitter?

Similar to Twitter, Threads allows users to post text-based messages or “threads,” while also enabling the sharing of photos and videos. Unlike Twitter, there is only one feed, where users will scroll through both trending and following posts. The character count is higher on Threads (up to 500), and the app also allows a larger number of multimedia attachments per post.  The fusion of conversational dialogue and visual storytelling provides a powerful and engaging experience for users—especially those looking for an alternative to Twitter in the wake of recent changes. However, unlike Twitter, it does not have the capability to direct message, lacks a trending topics section and users cannot edit posts. Additionally, it is only available on mobile and there is no desktop version.   The platform has been embraced by many globally recognized brands including Netflix, Lyft, Spotify and Pepsi, as it presents an opportunity for increased awareness, reach and engagement.   An infographic which outlines key characteristics of social media platforms Threads and Twitter. The infographic text reads "Twitter vs. Threads. Total Twitter users: 353.9M. Total Threads users: 23.6M. Twitter character limit: 280. Threads character limit: 500. Twitter: Desktop version available. Threads: No desktop version available. Twitter: Offers paid ads. Threads: Does not offer paid ads. Twitter: has option for verified profiles. Threads: has option for verified profiles.

Should your brand create an account?

As with any social media channel, Threads will take an investment of time, strategy, content creation and monitoring to properly engage with the audience. Our general perspective when new social media platforms emerge is to take some time to see how they progress before jumping on board. Our general perspective when new social media platforms emerge is to take some time to see how they progress before jumping on board.   In this case, however, it might be worth being an early adopter since so many users have already flocked to the app and it is a seamless addition. Currently there are no advertising options, so all brands need to use an owned account and create enough content to be at the top of the feed.   

Create a Thread

As a marketing company dedicated to staying ahead of the curve, we are actively observing the growth and potential of Threads. In the near future, we envision offering management services for the platform, including strategy, messaging and content creation, providing interested clients with the opportunity to maximize their presence and harness the unique opportunities Threads offers.  Stay tuned for further updates as we delve deeper into the world of Threads.    Learn more about the social media and content planning services offered at Beyond Fifteen.

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