Team : Work

Tips & Tricks

Get up to speed on Threads

July 26, 2023

In early July, Meta launched a new app called Threads. Already, the app has attracted over 100 million users. What do you need to know about this new social media platform? Read on to learn more.

Threads is a text-based conversation app

Users can post short (up to 500 character) posts. It is a new competitor to Twitter.

Threads is a sister app to Instagram

When you create an account on Threads, your followers and bio information follow your account from Instagram to the new app. Threads and Instagram share algorithmic data. This means that schools and districts that have invested in their Instagram audience will also see a boost in followers on Threads. To create a Threads account, your school or district must first have an Instagram account. Threads is from the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp.

Authentic content matters on Threads

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, put out a statement that “hard news” will be deprioritized on Threads in favor of authentic content. For now, the app has the feeling of a large group chat. Mosseri announced on July 25 that users can also change their Threads feed to chronologically view threads from accounts that they follow, which will be a useful feature for sharing information in a crisis.

Threads is only accessible through the mobile app for now

Threads is only accessible through the mobile app for now – Meta has indicated that a desktop version will be launched at an unspecified time in the future.

Tips for using the new Threads app

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Keep it casual.

Don’t come off as corporate. Be honest and authentic. Ask a question and be relatable. Try to start a conversation (aka Thread.)

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Have fun.

Light, playful feuds between schools with rival teams (some good-natured roasting) would do well right now.

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Don't use hashtags.

They don’t work (yet?) on Threads. Same goes for gifs, but photos and videos will work.

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Engage with comments.

Reply to posts from other schools/ organizations with short, meaningful responses. Liking posts, or responding to a thread with just an emoji, is not the best way to engage with content on Threads. Also, reply directly to your followers when they comment on your posts. This is a platform for personal, direct interactions.

Administrative Reminders

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Don’t forget to check with your superintendent and other members of your leadership team to see if they have created accounts. How about board members? It would be a good idea to investigate a bit.

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Do you need to update your social media policies, user agreements, guidelines, or other social media codes of conduct to include this new platform? Double check.

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About the TEAM Member

Justine Hanrahan

I've wanted to work in a creative career since I was an elementary student at Minnehaha Elementary in Vancouver Public Schools. As a child, my first dream was to become a creative writer. Younger me would be very proud to see that I now have a job that involves lots of writing and creativity. I enjoy working in a job where I can practice both creativity and strategic planning every day. Communications is such a strong tool for strengthening and building awareness for the great things that schools in our area are doing.