The Musk era saw a lot of changes put into Twitter. Some good, most bad. And with that, it was written that Twitter’s relevance would drop faster than its stock price. Meta took advantage of this by introducing Themes — a platform linked to Instagram. If you’re looking to increase your device time by scrolling non-stop on another app, here’s everything you need to know about Instagram Themes and how to use it.
Unlike Instagram, where you can only post media, Themes also allow you to upload text, just like Twitter. So all your chat sessions can now get attention on two apps instead of one. However, if you are an ardent Twitterati looking to switch to another platform before the ship sinks, Instagram Threads seems like a good alternative.
We’ll tell you how to set up an account on Themes and everything you can do on the app. Let’s start from scratch.
What is an Instagram theme?
Instagram Themes is an application that allows you to post texts, photos, and videos of anything and everything that happens in your life. You can share your thoughts, opinions or even cute photos of your pet dog. Think of it like Instagram — but not limited to media.
When you post a ‘topic’ on the Themes app, anyone using the platform can interact with it. You can also like, repost, or reply to other people’s posts. If you’re already using Twitter, Threads’ look and feel will make you feel at home.
How is the Themes app different from Instagram
- You can post text and media on Themes. Instagram, on the other hand, only allows you to post photos, videos, stories, and Stories — all of which are different forms of media.
- Instagram doesn’t allow you to repost other people’s posts. The theme has a Repost button similar to the Retweet feature on Twitter.
- On Instagram, you only see posts and stories from people or accounts you follow. Themes show posts from random accounts on your feed related to your interests.
- Your existing Instagram followers will not automatically access Topics.
How to subscribe to topics on Instagram
The new social media platform is currently only available as a smartphone app. However, we expect Meta to launch a web version of the Theme soon. With that said, this is how you can create an account on Threads and start… threading?
Go to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and download the Themes app. You can use the links below depending on the phone you are using.
Once installed, open the app on your smartphone. The Themes app now gives you two options here: link your existing Instagram account or set up a new one. You can choose the option that best suits you. Follow the next steps accordingly.
Link your existing Instagram account to the theme
Step 1: Choose your username on the Themes app below the words ‘Sign in with Instagram’. You will now be redirected to set up your profile.
You can enter the information manually or press the ‘Import from Instagram’ button to fill in details from your existing Instagram account. Once done, tap Next.
Step 2: The theme will now ask you to choose the privacy setting of your choice. Choose whether you want a Public or Private profile.
Step 3: The final step is to follow the accounts of your choice. Themes show you a list of all the accounts you follow on Instagram. You can choose to follow selected individual accounts or hit the Follow All button at the bottom. Click Next when done. Finally, select the Join Thread option at the bottom of the screen. This will complete your registration process.
Sign in with a new account
Currently, there is no way to create a standalone Topics account without Instagram. To use Themes, you need to sign up for an Instagram account first.
Step 1: Select the Switch Accounts option on the application home page. Then tap on ‘Sign in to another Instagram account’ at the bottom.
Step 2: You can now enter the login details of another Instagram account or create a new one.
If you decide to create a new Instagram account, use those credentials on the screen above to log into Threads.
How to view and post content on Instagram threads
Once registered, you will be greeted with the Themes home screen. This is where you will see what others have posted. You can interact with a post by liking it, commenting on it, reposting it, or sharing it. The navigation bar at the bottom can be used to access different panels. You can search for users, check notifications, or view your profile.
In the middle of the bottom bar is the Create Theme button. Click on it and you can compose a post. You can add a photo or video to your theme by selecting the Attach button.
Once a topic is edited, you can choose who can reply by selecting the ‘Anyone can reply’ option in the bottom left corner and changing it to the desired option. When you’re ready, tap the Publish button in the bottom right corner to publish your first Topic!
How to post a topic on your Instagram stories
Since the Themes app is new, you may want to notify your Instagram followers of your presence on the platform. You can do so by crossposting Topics on your Instagram Stories. This is the way.
Step 1: Go to the topic you want to add to your Story. Select the Share button and select ‘Add to Story’.
Step 2: The app will redirect you to Instagram. You can add text or other effects to Stories. Once done, select the Your Story button at the bottom.
The story will now be posted for your Instagram followers to see. If you want to share your Theme elsewhere, select the appropriate option after pressing the Share button in the Themes app.
Features of Themes app
- You can search and follow any account you choose, including those you already follow on Instagram.
- A Post or Thread can contain text, images, and videos. Sorry, you can’t post GIFs at this time.
- However, GIFs can be used to reply to a topic.
- If you set up a Private account, other users must request to follow you, similar to Instagram.
- Themes can be seamlessly shared on Twitter, which we don’t expect from a competing app.
- The app is currently not capable of sending direct messages. This could be seen as professional or deceptive.
Since the app is still in its infancy, more features will be added over time.
FAQ for Instagram Threads
1. How is the Themes app different from Twitter?
The theme is a Twitter competitor, which means the user interface, layout, and features are quite similar. We are conducting a separate comparison between the two platforms to give you a clearer idea.
2. Will all my Instagram followers see my Threads?
Your Instagram followers can only see your Threads if they subscribe to the Themes app and follow you on it.
3. Does the Themes app access my phone’s data?
Themes are an application of Meta. And Meta is notorious for collecting user data. So yes, Threads require a lot of permissions to access your data. You can see the list of permissions on the Play Store or App Store listing before downloading the app.
Stitch up your post
It’s good to see a new Twitter competitor, especially considering the current state of the social media platform. While it’s too early to say whether Threads will replace Twitter as the de facto app for like-minded people to express their thoughts, it seems like a step in the right direction. We hope Meta doesn’t add Stories and Stories to the app and convert it to another Facebook.
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Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
