Since July 2023, Meta's new social media platform "Threads" has been officially launched. Contrary to initial predictions that it would be "short-lived," Threads has gained momentum over the past few months with innovative uses emerging and many prominent figures making the platform more vibrant. Have you joined the trend?
In 2023, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, introduced a new social media app called "Threads." Unlike Instagram, which focuses on image-based posts, Threads is primarily text-oriented, allowing users to freely express their opinions without worrying about layout or images. Its usage is similar to "Twitter," and it caused a significant buzz upon launch, with everyone eager to try it out.
What is Threads?
Threads attracts a very young user base. (Photo Credit: Apple Store)
When Threads launched in Taiwan, it broke the record with "5 million registrations within the first 4 hours." Initially thought to be a passing novelty, it has gained renewed popularity over the past few months due to the engagement of notable personalities! Celebrities, politicians, and brand managers, including President Tsai Ing-wen, are enthusiastic users of Threads, posting, interacting, and even bantering, drawing significant attention. The text-focused nature of the platform has turned it into a new "haven for idle chatter" or a place to share "memes," where users can easily vent their frustrations.
Threads is trending again!
Just when it seemed like it might fade away, politician Cheng Yun-peng (@niceponpon) has shown how to master Threads. He posts about his life, feelings, and an abundance of "idle chatter" that everyone enjoys, while actively engaging with his fans. His son’s "Dede Storm" also went viral on Threads for several days!
Celebrity Kai Ko is a lively presence on Threads. (Photo Credit: threads/@kaikaiko)
In the entertainment world, we can't forget about Kai Ko. For several days, Threads was abuzz with "spotting a celebrity" posts. Fans managed to get photos with him in East District, Xinyi District, and even in Japan, receiving replies from him, making many fans green with envy. Additionally, numerous brand managers are leveraging Threads to interact directly with users, fostering a zero-distance engagement. This innovative online marketing strategy has significantly boosted the popularity of many brands!
Threads stands out because, unlike Instagram, where you mainly see posts from people you follow, it uses an "algorithm" to randomly show a variety of posts, breaking the echo chamber and fostering broader discussions. For instance, numerous "model recruiting" and "photographer recruiting" posts have helped many find collaboration opportunities. Increasingly, online stores are using Threads to "recruit testers," among other things. However, a downside is that you can't "control" whose posts you see, which is a common complaint among users.
Post anytime, anywhere!
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Can Threads help you make friends?
Although Threads is a platform for public interaction rather than private chatting, over the past few months, the editor has found that many people have made "virtual friends." By posting and commenting, users get to know each other. Now, comments even feature a "voice message" option, making it a very novel way to make friends online. However, this also raises privacy concerns, so be mindful that your comments on others' posts can easily be seen by other users or friends!
Important Tips for Using Threads!
As Threads becomes increasingly popular, here are a few important things to note:
1. You cannot delete your Threads account separately. Since registration is linked through Instagram, deleting your Threads account requires deleting your Instagram account as well.
2. Editing posts on Threads: Initially, Threads did not allow post edits, but now you can edit your posts "within 5 minutes of posting". If you miss this window, you'll have to start over!
3. There is a character limit! Each post on Threads can contain a maximum of "500 characters". If you exceed this limit, you'll need to post separately or use the pinned comment feature for extended content!
Lastly, as the digital world continues to advance with new platforms and software, feel free to explore and try out the latest trends. However, it's important to take breaks and not become too absorbed in the online world, as it can impact your physical and mental health. Balance is key!