You've probably heard how social media has revolutionized the way we communicate with each other. Whether you're cheering on your favorite team in a TikTok video, showing off the best coffee you've ever had on Facebook, or sharing your favorite cat memes on Instagram, social networking has grown to monumental heights over the past few decades.

From the official public launch of Facebook in 2006 to TikTok's introduction to the world over a decade later, these platforms have evolved into communication channels for brands and consumers. Through sharing reviews, messaging brands, or interacting with paid content, social media offers vast lines of communication for companies to speak directly to their audiences.

Then walked in Threads, the new kid in the universe. Or should we say, the Metaverse?

The Introduction of the X Replacement

For years, X, formally known as Twitter, was the epitome of social networking through endless threads of celebrity gossip and sports highlights, and it was also a place where brands could express exciting news or launches to consumers - in 140 (now 280) characters or less of course. It turned out that Facebook and Metaverse founder, Mark Zuckerberg, had a little something up his sleeve that would essentially create a replacement, or at least an almost-equal rival, for the app with that very famous bird icon. 

Move Over X - Here Comes Threads 

Zuckerberg saw Elon Musk's purchase of X and raised him with its Meta counterpart - Threads. Released in July of 2023, Threads became a phenomenon. In its first hour of operation, Threads reached one million users. It seemed like quite a convenient way to download too since all you had to do was log in with your Instagram account, and boom, you're part of the Threads universe. 

So what's the deal with Threads?

Threads was introduced to the world as a direct competitor to X, and it stays as a member of the Meta family. Some could look at it as being more convenient than X since you're using the same username and password as your Instagram account. 

Once activating their account, users of the platform can share text, images, and videos, just as you can do on many other social platforms. But you may be wondering what the main difference is between Instagram and Threads. It's essentially an added bonus for Instagram users. While Instagram is focused heavily on graphic elements, such as experience-sharing through photos and videos, Threads acts as more of a discussion forum without having to add any visual elements to your content.

Now, let's look at the real comparison - X vs. Threads

Other Common Contrasts

While there are differences among specs between Threads and X, there remain differences that stem more from community trust. 

Since its transition from Twitter to X, the platform owned by Musk has faced challenges and hits to its reputation from the public, which certainly helped Threads gain some leverage quickly. More users were turning away from X and dipping into the Threads pool. While both platforms have guidelines and play their part in limiting harmful rhetoric, Threads especially prides itself on actively monitoring content for its users. 

So while Threads has its level of authority already, like X, it will always be highly dependent on individual businesses' desires and target audiences to open the door into either.

How Brands Can Leverage Threads

Social media platforms like Threads are promising avenues for brands who want to further connect with their customers, including through reviews. Social media is a major outlet for consumers to view product reviews before making a purchase. Don't just take it from us though - take it from the millions and millions of influencers around the world who get compensated for posting product reviews every day. 

Threads gives brands a reason to act as their own influencer by generating conversations with followers and boosting brand awareness. 

Don't know how to get started? Here are some ideas.

Be funny. 


Be persuasive. 

Be unique.


Be concise. 
 

Be curious. 

Since Threads offers unique functionality through integration with other Meta properties like Facebook and Instagram, it's not likely that it will be a short-term phenomenon. Threads is now dipping its toes into the fediverse, which leaves much room for Zuckerberg and company to take even more control over the world of social networking forums. While X isn't going anywhere, at least any time soon, Threads is not far behind in the race to the top, even in its short time in existence. By 2025, an estimated 30 million new users in the U.S. alone will join Threads, and by that time, nearly a quarter of all Instagram users will have a Threads account. Plus, it looks like Threads is slowly following X's footsteps with indexing individual posts, helping with search engine optimization (SEO) on Google. 

Is Threads Right for You? 

So now it's time to ask yourself: should I make the move to Threads? We have some experience working with Threads, so we'll help you find your perfect voice for the platform. Ready? Let's chat!