What Is Threads?

Threads is Meta’s fast-growing social media platform designed for text-based public conversations. If you’ve seen it trending and wondered what exactly it does, you’re not alone. Threads works a lot like X (formerly Twitter), but it’s built by the team behind Instagram and lets you share thoughts, updates, and links quickly and openly. In 2025, Threads has become a major space for real-time dialogue, powered by AI and shaped for creators and everyday users alike. Let’s break down how Threads works, why it’s become popular, and what makes it different from other platforms in the same space.

How Threads Works

Threads is available as a standalone mobile app. You sign in using your Instagram account, which automatically syncs your profile and followers. Once inside, you can post short text updates of up to 500 characters, reply to others, repost content, or add photos and videos. One of the biggest reasons for its rapid growth is how easy it is to start. No need to build a following from scratch. If your Instagram followers join Threads, they’re already connected to you.

Threads vs Instagram

Threads and Instagram are both owned by Meta, but they serve different purposes. Instagram is more visual, focusing on photos and videos. Threads, on the other hand, is made for words. It focuses on conversations, not curation. You might use Instagram to post a story or reel, but you’d use Threads to quickly share a thought, link, or opinion. While both apps are connected, Threads is being shaped into its own platform with separate features and a unique audience.

Features That Set Threads Apart

Built-in Messaging

After high demand, Threads introduced native messaging. You can now send direct messages to followers or mutual connections. While it’s still not encrypted, it adds a private layer to the otherwise public-first platform.

Dual Feed System

Threads has two main feeds:

• For You – powered by algorithms that show trending or engaging content
• Following – a chronological feed of only the people you follow

This gives users control over how they consume content.

ActivityPub Integration

Threads supports ActivityPub, the protocol used by federated platforms like Mastodon. This means Threads users can engage with content across different platforms, opening up a new type of decentralized social networking.

AI-Powered Discovery

Threads uses AI to recommend posts based on your activity. This is especially useful for brands and creators looking to grow. To fully understand how AI is driving platforms like Threads, it’s worth exploring an AI Certification.

Light Monetization Rollout

Meta has started testing ads on Threads, but they’re rolling out slowly and in limited regions. The goal is to learn how people interact with the platform before fully opening it to advertisers.

Threads Growth Since Launch

Threads launched in July 2023 and saw over 100 million users sign up in its first five days. By mid-2025, it had more than 275 million monthly active users. This growth is largely thanks to Instagram integration, algorithm-driven visibility, and a real push from Meta’s executive team. Threads is now available in over 100 countries and regularly ranks among the top social networking apps.

Threads User Growth Snapshot

Timeline	Key Milestone	Details
July 2023	Launch	Over 10M users in first 7 hours
July 2023 (Week 1)	100M signups	Fastest app to reach 100M users
Early 2024	100M monthly active users	Growth began to stabilize
Mid 2025	Over 275M monthly users	Threads becomes a core Meta product
Available In	100+ countries	Rapid global rollout

How Threads Compares to X (Twitter)

Threads is often compared to X. While they look similar at first glance, there are clear differences in how they operate and the kind of user experience they offer.

Threads vs X

Feature	Threads	X (Twitter)
Post Length Limit	500 characters	280 characters (free)
Feed Options	For You + Following	For You + Following
Monetization	Early ad testing in 2025	Full ad system, paid features
Sign-up Requirement	Requires Instagram	Standalone
Interoperability	Supports ActivityPub	Does not support

Unlike X, Threads is not driven by news or trending hashtags. It leans more toward personal updates, light humor, and community-building. This makes it a useful tool for creators, small businesses, and even educational content creators. Speaking of education, if you’re looking to stay ahead in digital media or analytics, consider enrolling in a Data Science Certification. Understanding how platforms like Threads use algorithms is becoming more relevant every day.

Why Brands and Creators Use Threads

Many brands are experimenting with Threads for community engagement, campaign launches, and casual interaction. The platform’s minimal friction makes it easy to test ideas and build connection. For marketers, Threads offers a new, less saturated space to build visibility. Unlike Instagram or TikTok, the conversations here don’t vanish. Posts remain discoverable via search and feeds. This makes Threads ideal for evergreen content and brand storytelling. Want to develop your expertise in this area? A Marketing and Business Certification can help you turn platforms like Threads into powerful growth tools.

The Role of Threads in the Future of Social Media

Threads is not just a Twitter alternative. It’s Meta’s attempt to shape the future of text-based public conversation. By integrating AI, building a clean interface, and making cross-platform connections possible, Threads stands out from past Twitter clones. Its evolution reflects a bigger shift happening across tech platforms. More social networks are exploring interoperability, data privacy, and AI-driven curation. If you’re interested in how these technologies work behind the scenes, a Deep tech certification is a good starting point.

Final Takeaway

Threads is Meta’s rising platform for real-time, text-first conversation. With smart features, steady updates, and a growing user base, it has carved out a space in the fast-moving world of social media. Whether you’re a casual user, creator, or marketer, Threads is worth exploring as part of your online toolkit. Understanding Threads also gives insight into the broader future of digital platforms. With AI at the center and a focus on user experience, it shows where public conversation is headed—and how tech continues to influence how we communicate.