The much newer Threads service looks and feels very similar.
Overall Findings
Works from the mobile app and the website.
Sign up with your Instagram account.
Lifewire
Post text, video, images, and links.
Search for accounts to follow.
Limited feature set, no option to pay for more.
Sign up with your email, phone number, Google account, or Apple account.
Post text, video, images, links, and polls.
Useful content discovery options.
Lots of features, and a subscription plan for even more.
X and Threads allow engagement with other users through mobile apps on their respective services.
X works with any email address, and Threads works only for Instagram users.
Setup & Availability: X Is More Widely Available
Must have an Instagram account.
No other way to sign up.
Android and iPhone app.
Limited use through web internet tool.
Can’t sign on through Instagram.
Very easy sign-up process to make account.
Android, iPhone, and iPad app.
Full use through a web web app.
Threads only works if you have an Instagram account.
If you don’t, you must make one before you’re able to connect to Threads.
Plus, your profile image, username, and bio are synced automatically for an easy transition.
Getting an X account also takes only a few minutes, but it’s not restricted to Instagram users.
It accepts signups through a Google or Apple account or your email address or phone number.
Threads and X can be used from an Android or iPhone, but only X supports iPad.
Videos as long as 5 minutes.
Images, including GIFs.
10 items per thread.
Restrict who can reply.
Text posts limited to 280 characters (25k if you pay).
Videos as long as 140 seconds (2 hours if you pay).
Four items per post.
Both social networking services accept the same kinds of posts: text, videos, images, and links.
Both platforms let you define who can reply to your post.
This includes everyone, only people you follow or only people you mention.
Finding Content: Only X Has Real Content Discovery Tools
Feed includes threads from recommended accounts.
Search for accounts by username or name.
View trending topics in a variety of categories.
Filter feed by people and/or location.
Discovering new content is arguably an essential social media app feature.
Threads defaults to an algorithmically-generated timeline, but you could use a list of people you follow.
Unique Features: There’s Way More on X
Easily follow all your Instagram friends.
Schedule reminders to take a break from the app.
Automatic verification carried over from Instagram.
Hide the like count for any of your posts.
Post so only your private circle can view it.
Spaces for live audio conversations, and Communities and Lists for topical discussions.
Enable paid subscriptions for your followers.
Price: Both Are Free, But X Charges for Extras
Free to download and use.
No subscriptions or hidden fees.
Free to download and use, but with limits.
Must pay to get more features.
Both Instagram Threads and X are free to use.
X wins when it comes to discoverability and engagement.
FAQ
In the app or on the website, compose your first message as you normally would.
Before clicking the button to post, nudge the blue + button.
That allows you tocompose more messages and then post them all at once.
Yeah, that’s a good question.
Threads was made primarily for text the way X is primarily text.
Likewise, if you are mostly going to be writing, then Threads seems the better choice.
