So what if did you have a billion followers on twitter? Meta’s new app, Threads, is growing fast, with 70 million signups in the first few days according to a tweet…I mean Thread post, from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. While the vibe on Threads isn’t for everyone (many brands/extremely Facebook), it can be fun to start over and try out a new social media app with millions of other users at the same time.
Will Threads Actually Kill Twitter? First, the apps aren’t people, so no one is going to die here. Secondly, the Threads app comes from the same company that went all in on the metaverse, so let’s wait a bit before making big longevity claims. Whether or not Threads continues to exist, millions of early adopters are busy posting self-referential memes and seeking followers on the new app.
Want to reconnect with people you’ve interacted with on Twitter and just have a little hunt? Here are a few tips to help you get started rebuilding your social media following on the Threads app (Android, Apple).
Crosspost multiple times
OK, this sounds a little desperate, but it’s probably one of the best ways to keep in touch with your Twitter friends. Tweet a few times about signing up for Threads and share the new entry where your friends can find you if different. Don’t be afraid to use memes and humor, as well as more straightforward pleas.
Link your Instagram
Listen to me. Even though the number of followers you’ve built on Instagram is likely very different from the people you like on Twitter, many early adopters with a lot of followers on Threads are getting their community (and blue tick) from Instagram, which is owned by Meta . If you follow friends on Instagram and sign up for Threads, you’ll be given the option to follow all of your Instagram friends, if they have a Threads account. (And if they don’t have one now, you can follow them automatically when they create one later.)
Before doing this, you should know that once the accounts are connected, you cannot completely delete your Threads account without destroying your Insta as well. It’s something the company may change in the future, but this is how it’s currently set up.
If you use your Instagram account but don’t choose to follow the same people on Threads during the signup process, it’s possible to find that option again. Tap your profile and then your number of followers. Then swipe to the As a sequel to tab. Tap at the top of the screen See everything to find people you know from Instagram.
Keep your account public
If you want to keep your account quieter, it is possible to make the messages private by going to your profile, tapping the two lines in the top right corner and choosing Privacyand then switch between the Private profile option on the right. For those looking to grow accounts outside of their immediate friend group, keeping posts in the algorithmic feed to public is the only way.
Public or private, please note that Meta collects personal information when you use the app. Here’s our breakdown of how the data collection on Threads compares to Twitter and other alternatives.
Reuse your best bits
Yes, you might want to come up with a new online identity for Threads, but don’t be afraid to reuse some of your past photos, jokes, and discussion topics. As you figure out what kind of posts help build the following on Threads you’re looking for, you can experiment by putting a little spin on what has worked for you in the past.
Post and post and post
Don’t think about it too long. If you’re having a good time on Threads and want to gain more followers, keep those posts flowing. Don’t be afraid to comment on posts that make you laugh or share something enlightening. The party is just getting started and users may be open to making new connections. (They probably want to grow their following, just like you.)
Worried about spending too much time on the app? Go to your profile and tap the two lines in the top right corner. Go to AccountThan Take a break. Threads can remind you to touch grass after every 10, 20, or 30 consecutive minutes you spend on the social media app.
