How do you see Threads on Instagram?

In July 2023, Instagram took a bold step by launching Threads, a separate app that experimented with a new way for users to connect. Threads offered a unique space for public, text-based conversations, marking a departure from the photo and video-centric experience that Instagram is traditionally known for.

Threads boasted several features that aimed to carve out a niche in the social media landscape:

• Open Forums: Unlike private messaging on the main Instagram app, Threads was all about fostering public discussions. Users could participate in ongoing conversations, similar to a public forum, and threads could be followed by anyone interested in the topic. Imagine a space where anyone could jump into a conversation about a viral video or engage in a lively debate about a recent political issue. This facilitated a more dynamic and community-driven experience compared to the curated feeds on the main platform.
• Text-Based with Multimedia Flair: While text was the primary mode of communication on Threads, conversations weren't limited to just plain words. Users could incorporate links, photos, and even short videos (up to 5 minutes) within their threads. This multimedia capability added a layer of engagement and context to the text-driven conversations. Sharing a funny meme to illustrate a point in a discussion or including a quick video snippet to elaborate on a thought could make Threads interactions more interesting and dynamic.
• A Twitter-like Feel: The overall aesthetic and functionality of Threads borrowed elements from Twitter. Users had a feed displaying text-based posts, with the ability to follow profiles and reply to threads they found interesting. This familiarity might have eased users accustomed to the Twitter platform into using Threads. If you were comfortable navigating Twitter threads and participating in discussions there, adapting to Threads wouldn't have been a steep learning curve.
• A Boon for Creators: Instagram Threads was particularly envisioned as a valuable tool for content creators. It provided a platform for them to have open discussions with their audience in a public format. Creators could spark conversations around their work, answer questions directly, and foster a more engaged community around their content. Imagine a fashion influencer using Threads to discuss their latest outfit choices and solicit feedback from followers in real-time, or a musician using it to answer questions about their creative process and connect with fans on a deeper level.

Despite its innovative features and potential benefits, Instagram Threads ceased to be available as a standalone app as of June 12, 2024. The exact reasons behind Instagram's decision haven't been officially disclosed. It's possible that users preferred the established photo and video sharing experience on the main app, or maybe the public forum style of Threads didn't align with how users typically interact on Instagram. Perhaps future updates to the main Instagram app might incorporate some of the text-based features that were explored in Threads, but for now, the experiment with Threads appears to be concluded.