Alexis Kestler
Twitter and Threads are two popular microblogging platforms that allow users to share short updates and have conversations. While they seem similar on the surface, there are some key differences between the two that are worth examining.
In this in-depth comparison, we‘ll analyze the features and capabilities of both Twitter and Threads to help you understand their unique strengths and weaknesses.
A Brief Introduction
Let‘s start with a quick refresher on what each platform is all about.
What is Twitter?
Twitter is an established social media site launched in 2006 that lets users post "tweets" of up to 280 characters. It has over 300 million monthly active users.
Key features of Twitter include:
- Tweeting short messages, images, videos, and links
- Following other users and seeing their tweets in your timeline
- Replying, retweeting, liking, and bookmarking tweets
- Using hashtags to join conversations
- Sending direct messages to other users
- Live tweeting and streaming video
- Advanced search and discovery tools
Twitter is popular for real-time updates, news commentary, entertainment, and political discourse. Brands also use it for marketing, customer service, and connecting with audiences.
What is Threads?
Threads is a newer microblogging app released in 2019 by Instagram‘s parent company, Meta. It builds upon the "stories" format popularized by Snapchat and Instagram.
Key features of Threads include:
- Posting text, photos, videos, and other media in short "threads"
- Sharing disappearing "status" updates
- Messaging close friends in real-time
- Customizing a profile and avatar
- Following threads from people you know
Threads is designed for intimate, private sharing between close connections rather than public broadcasting. It taps into users‘ close friends lists from Instagram.
Now that we understand the basics, let‘s do a deep dive into how Twitter and Threads compare across major functionality.
Character Limits
One of the defining aspects of microblogging platforms is the limited number of characters you can use per post.
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Twitter‘s character limit is 280 per tweet. This encourages brevity and concision when composing messages. You can create threads of multiple tweets to share longer content.
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Threads has a more generous limit of 500 characters per post. This provides more flexibility for self-expression and detail within an individual thought.
For extremely short messages under 50 characters, Twitter may have the advantage. But Threads‘ 500 character posts allow you to convey more complex ideas without splitting into multiple parts.
Account Creation and Sign Up
Signing up for each platform is quite different.
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To create a Twitter account, you simply provide a username, password, and email or phone number. No other social media account is required.
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To use Threads, you must have an existing Instagram account. When you download Threads, it immediately logs you into your Instagram account to create your Threads profile.
Threads‘ reliance on Instagram makes signup seamless for Instagram users. But those without Instagram miss out on accessing Threads easily.
Twitter‘s open policy means anyone can join with minimal steps. This helps fuel Twitter‘s wider reach across demographics.
Finding Trending Content
Discoverability sets Twitter and Threads apart.
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Twitter has a powerful Trends feature that algorithmically identifies the most popular topics and hashtags being discussed in real-time. It makes staying up-to-date incredibly easy.
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Threads has no equivalent feature for finding trending content. You can only see posts from people you follow, with limited opportunities for exploration.
For users who value awareness of breaking news and events, Twitter‘s Trends provide immense value. Threads does not prioritize discoverability and serendipity in the same way.
Following and Followers
Both platforms allow you to follow other users – but with slightly different interfaces.
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On Twitter, your followers and following lists are clearly visible on your profile page as distinct tabs. It‘s straightforward to view both groups.
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On Threads, there is no dedicated "following" tab. You can only see who you follow by going to your followers list and toggling to view your following list instead.
Twitter makes it easier to monitor your own following/followers and assess other users‘ networks at a glance. Threads focuses more exclusively on your existing connections.
The Posting Experience
Composing posts on Twitter versus Threads feels broadly similar, with some subtle differences.
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To tweet on Twitter, tap the "Compose new Tweet" icon and type your message with accompanying media if desired. You can preview before sending.
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To write a thread on Threads, tap the pencil "New Thread" icon and begin typing. You can also preview and edit before posting publicly or to your close friends list.
Both interfaces are straightforward and familiar. However, Threads was designed by Instagram and arguably offers a more visually refined, contemporary feel compared to Twitter‘s utilitarian design.
Deleting Accounts
What if you want to delete your account? The implications vary:
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On Twitter, you can deactivate or permanently delete your account directly within the Twitter app or website settings. It‘s a standalone platform.
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With Threads, you cannot selectively delete just your Threads account. The only way to remove it is to fully delete your connected Instagram account.
Threads‘ policy makes account deletion challenging if you still actively use and want to keep Instagram. Twitter gives users full control over removing accounts as desired.
Reposting and Retweeting
Resharing content posted by others is a core engagement feature.
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On Twitter, you can retweet someone‘s tweet with or without an added comment. Retweets appear distinctly from original tweets.
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Similarly, Threads lets you repost someone else‘s thread with or without your own commentary added. Reposts are labeled as such.
The ability to seamlessly retweet or repost content helps with discovery and fuels viral posting. Twitter and Threads take an identical approach here.
Usernames and Handles
Here‘s an area where the platforms diverge again:
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On Twitter, you can freely change your @ handle as often as you want. Your username does not have to align with other platforms.
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With Threads, your username is permanently linked to your Instagram handle. You‘d need to change your Instagram username first in order to edit your Threads name.
Twitter provides flexibility for crafting your perfect identifier that best fits the platform. Threads ties your identity firmly back to Instagram.
Privacy Controls
Both Twitter and Threads give users control over their privacy settings:
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On Twitter, you can make your account private so only approved followers see your tweets. You can block or mute specific users as well.
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Similarly, Threads lets you restrict your posts to close friends only. You can block other users and create a "hide words" list to filter out unwanted replies.
Threads takes privacy a step further by letting you share ephemeral "status" updates that disappear after 24 hours rather than permanent posts. This caters to more personal oversharing without a public record.
Overall the privacy options are quite aligned, with Threads tailored for intimate audiences by design.
Search Capabilities
Searching each platform returns different scopes of information.
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Twitter search is robust, allowing you to search for individual tweets, hashtags, users, media, and more. Advanced operators help refine searches.
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Threads only supports searching for other users‘ profiles. You cannot lookup specific threads or content.
Twitter search acts like a powerful index of the public discourse happening on the platform. Threads focuses narrowly on people discovery.
Posting Media
Both platforms accommodate media beyond text, but with limitations:
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On Twitter, you can share images, GIFs, and videos up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds directly within tweets.
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Threads allows sharing photos and videos up to 5 minutes long within threads. You can pull media from your phone‘s library or camera.
Threads wins for video by allowing longer form content. But Twitter is far more robust for media overall by supporting animated GIFs and linking to external sites like YouTube.
Verification and Blue Checkmarks
Getting "verified" with a blue checkmark confers official status:
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On Twitter, you must apply for verification and meet eligibility criteria for identity, activity, and notoriety. Approval is at Twitter‘s discretion.
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Threads automatically grants users a blue verification checkmark if they have one on Instagram. No separate application is required.
Threads ties its validation to Instagram‘s program. For verified Instagram personalities, cross-platform prestige carries over with no extra work.
Composing and Drafting
Both platforms allow composing posts, but with a key distinction:
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On Twitter, you can save draft tweets to finish writing later before publishing. Your drafts are synced across devices.
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Threads currently lacks a drafts feature. You must finish and post a thread all in one sitting.
For threads requiring more thought and polish, Twitter‘s built-in drafts are invaluable. Threads‘ one-shot publishing makes editing harder.
Availability Across Devices
Depending on where you prefer accessing social media, one platform may work better:
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Twitter offers native mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone, plus full-featured web apps. You can use Twitter conveniently across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.
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Threads is only available as a mobile app for iOS and Android. There is no web or desktop version for accessing threads from a computer.
Twitter‘s omnichannel presence gives power users more choice. Threads‘ mobile-only design limits usage to phones and tablets.
Direct Messaging Capabilities
Private 1-on-1 and group chats are now table stakes for social platforms.
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Twitter has robust direct messaging built-in for following and non-following users. You can create groups, share media, and more.
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Threads currently lacks any direct messaging functionality. You can only interact publicly through comments.
This is a major shortcoming for Threads compared to the extensive messaging capabilities found on Twitter. Private back-and-forths fuel deeper connections.
Closing Thoughts
While Twitter and Threads may seem interchangeable at first glance, looking closer reveals notable differences in features and functionality.
Key advantages unique to each platform include:
- Powerful trend discovery
- Flexible account policies
- Cross-platform availability
- Advanced multimedia support
- Robust search and drafting
Threads
- Modern, aesthetic interface
- Tighter Instagram integration
- Automatic verification carryover
- Longer video uploads
- Ephemeral status sharing
Threads carves out a niche focused on intimate sharing between close friends rather than mass broadcasting. But Twitter still edges out as the more fully-featured platform.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see if Threads incorporates more tweet-like features over time to compete head-to-head as a microblogging platform. For now, the two serve complementary purposes. Twitter acts as the digital public square while Threads fosters personal connection.
