I’m just now taking a break from one of the largest online block parties I’ve experienced in years, on the newest social media app – Threads, and I’m here to let you in on the fun!
In this article, I’ll do my best to cover my experience with the app, the background for its conception, and it’s key features and drawbacks.
First, some background…
With the launch of Threads, an app by Instagram, the new platform was ablaze with new users, and endless new conversations of folks working together to figure out how this new social media app works, and also expressing hope for the future – many who are also Twitter users (like myself) that have been weary of unreasonable changes, an ego-driven billionaire buyout, and massive layoffs which have soured the platform’s reputation for many.
I was an early adopter of Twitter when it first came out, and have always been active on the micro-blogging platform, but as a marketer and someone that also works in public service, the platform is way different than it started out – and not for the better, in my opinion. In recent years there have been reports and studies of increased hate on the platform, making it a not-so-comfortable space for everyone, with little to no enforcement from the company leaders. It’s also not been providing the reach and engagement it promised users. This combination of issues, and more, has led to major advertisers pulling out of the platform indefinitely.
Since all of these issues have unfolded, many Twitter users have looked to other platforms such as Mastodon or Hive as healthy alternatives to Twitter, but they couldn’t compete with Twitter as they were either too difficult to sign up for and understand, or just had too many glitches to deal with.
Now, the true contender has finally appeared on the scene! Threads.
Let’s dive in.
What’s the signup process like?
Very easy. After downloading the app and logging in with Instagram (IG), you can automatically follow accounts you already follow on Instagram, if and when they sign up for Threads.
It took 3 clicks at the most, and I was in.
NOTE: If you skip the part about automatically following the folks you already do on Instagram, there doesn’t appear to be a way of going back so, be mindful!
What are the key features of Threads?
It’s very similar to Twitter in that it has a text-based feed of posts (or “threads” as some are already coining as the officially unofficial term) that you can like, reply to, and share. Images and videos are supported. A couple of neat additions, though, are that you can share “threads” to you’re Instagram stories or feed, so even though the apps are separate they work well together.
Some other interesting or quirky notes:
The individual post limit is 500 characters long, but you can easily add threads to the first….thread? (jury is still out on calling them posts or threads)
You can post image carousels very cleanly!
For now, it seems if you sign up for Threads, you can’t delete your Threads account without first deleting your Instagram account. I’m sure this will change but, just making you aware if you’re unsure about signing up!
Accounts you have muted or blocked on Instagram will stay muted or blocked on Threads
Gifs aren’t natively part of the app, so if you love using gifs you will have to download and use the Giphy app, and copy and past the gifs into your threads.
The app doesn’t show folks who you are following, just how many people are following you
What are some key differences from Twitter?
It’s 100% app-based, meaning you can’t sign into a desktop version (for now?) to use the platform
At the moment, there are no ads on the platform, but that is sure to change
No limits on how many threads you can view! However, the app will stop you from following thousands of people at once as they will on IG.
Hashtags aren’t a thing on the platform (for now?) and you currently can’t search for topics like you would on Twitter
Adult content (nudity) is not allowed, so IG rules apply there as well
At the moment, there isn’t a “Following” or “For You” filter set up on the app, which on Twitter allows you to separate out content from people you don’t know. But Meta representatives made comments on the app that this is a feature that will be rolled out soon enough (however I think it’s great for now, as I made many new followers and had great conversations this way!)
What do you post on Threads, anyway?
That conversation is still happening in real-time, but the CEO of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, said on the app:
“For those of you trying to think about what to post here on Threads versus on Instagram, my take is it’s less about text versus photos and videos and more about what public conversations you want to have. Do you want to engage in more of a back-and-forth, Threads make sense. If not, great, probably Instagram…”
I’m personally taking this as – the medium doesn’t matter so much as the intent and the delivery. If you’re planning on making Threads a billboard for promoting things, it may not work as well as you’d like.
So, what does this all mean?
In my many conversations from the night, the overwhelming consensus I saw was that folks are looking for more authentic conversations, and don’t want to be sold to by influencers or deal with online trolls like they’ve had to on Twitter. They also don’t want the filtered curated feeds one finds on Instagram (why post the same thing in both places, anyway?).
Users want social media to be social again, and with the launch of the app had fun being silly together as we bumbled along trying to figure out the current capabilities of the app, making each other laugh, discovering its positives and negatives, and connected with folks from other social scenes, as well as making new friends as we all experienced the launch at the same time, growing together.
Of course, we all have goals for being on social media, but I don’t think there’s a drawback here. What do you have to lose from having conversations with folks, and letting them get to know you? At the end of the day, folks gravitate toward others they feel they know, like, and trust and I think what Threads has started has the potential to bring us back to basics with social media.
Many millennials (like me), however, have been here before. We have grown up having to adopt every online social media platform ever invented, so we know that there is a pattern of the early honeymoon period, and then things will turn dark, but I think we could all use some optimism here.
The platform is a reflection of us all and we’ve essentially been given a clean slate, so if we want to have a safe and overall positive experience on Threads – I say let’s work together to make that a reality.
I hope this article was helpful, and of course, we will see the platform grow, adapt and change as Meta/IG works through user feedback, but I’m excited to see what the future holds.
Be sure to follow me on Threads here, and good luck!
It’s almost 1:00 am as I’m writing this on July 2nd, a couple of days after the end of #PrideMonth when brands usually move on to the next trendy thing to focus on. If you’re unfamiliar with what Pride Month is, in a nutshell, it is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, serving as a platform for visibility, solidarity, and recognition. But, it all started with the Stonewall Riots decades ago. You can brush up on your Pride Month history here.
In the wake of Supreme Court rulings rolling back LGBTQ+ protections and rights, state legislatures doing the same across the country, and brands like Budlight and Target throwing the community under the bus after blowback from conservative groups for showing even bare minimum support for us – I have to tell you this Pride Month hasn’t felt great.
I know that there are genuinely supportive brands out there that want to do good for the LGBTQ+ community, but maybe are afraid or don’t know how where to start, beyond the annual rainbow logo change and a post on social media one month out of the year.
While it’s essential to acknowledge the progress made during this designated month, it is equally important to extend support and recognition throughout the entire year. Otherwise, you might be offering little more than lip service.
Authentic allyship and genuine inclusion require consistent effort and a commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.
So, as a queer person that coaches a lot of brands on what to do, I’m going to lay out some meaningful steps you can implement for the rest of the year (and hopefully every year) to recognize #Pride year-round and create a lasting impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Educate Yourself
Knowledge is a powerful tool for promoting understanding and empathy. Take the initiative to educate yourself about LGBTQ+ history, terminology, and the challenges faced by the community. Read books, watch documentaries, and explore reputable online resources. By becoming informed, you’ll be better equipped to challenge prejudice and engage in meaningful conversations.
Show your support by actively seeking out and patronizing LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Whether it’s your morning coffee, a clothing store, or professional services, consciously choosing to spend your money at these establishments helps foster economic empowerment and sends a clear message of support.
Check out the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) for chapters in your state that likely has a list of certified LGBTQ+-owned businesses you can support.
Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights
Pride is more than a celebration; it is a time to rally behind the fight for equality, and we need allies now more than ever to stand with us.
You can stand up for LGBTQ+ rights by participating in local, regional, or national advocacy efforts. Write to your elected representatives, join LGBTQ+ organizations, attend rallies or marches, and amplify the voices of those fighting for change. Together, we can advocate for policies that protect the rights and dignity of all individuals.
Volunteer and Donate
Consider volunteering your time and skills to LGBTQ+ organizations and charities.
Many organizations require assistance throughout the year, whether through event planning, fundraising, or mentoring programs. Additionally, financial contributions make a significant impact on the resources available to support the community’s needs.
Foster Inclusivity in Your Community
Creating an inclusive environment starts at the grassroots level. Engage with your local community organizations, schools, and workplaces to promote diversity and inclusivity.
Advocate for LGBTQ+-inclusive policies, such as gender-neutral restrooms, inclusive healthcare, and anti-discrimination measures. By fostering a welcoming atmosphere, you can contribute to making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Be an Ally Every Day
Being an ally is an ongoing commitment that extends beyond a single month.
Practice active listening, validate experiences, and offer support to LGBTQ+ friends, family members, colleagues, and acquaintances throughout the year.
Educate others on the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion and encourage them to be allies as well.
Amplify LGBTQ+ Voices
Use your platform, whether it’s social media, a blog, or personal conversations, to amplify LGBTQ+ voices. Share stories, artwork, and experiences that reflect the diversity within the community. By actively promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and representation, you can challenge stereotypes and create spaces for marginalized voices to be heard.
In Conclusion…
While it’s impossible to sum up ALL the ways you can support in one article, I hope this helps. Recognizing and supporting the LGBTQ+ community goes beyond a single month of celebration.
It requires continuous effort, education, and empathy year-round. By actively engaging in meaningful ways, fostering inclusivity, and promoting equality, we can work towards creating a world where every LGBTQ+ individual feels seen, heard, and valued.
Together, let us embrace Pride year-round and build a more accepting and inclusive society for all.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to adapt to remote work, and for some, like me, it has been a revelation.
The idea that we should all be striving for everyone to be back in the office full-time is not only outdated, but it’s also detrimental to the relationships between both employees and employers.
One of the key benefits of remote work is the ability for employees to have more flexibility in their schedules. This is particularly important for parents who have been juggling childcare responsibilities during the pandemic and since. With remote work, parents can better manage their time and be more present for their children while still being able to get their work done. Additionally, remote work allows employees to create a work environment that is conducive to their productivity, whether that be working from a home office or a quiet coffee shop.
Another benefit of remote work is the ability for employees to take better care of their overall health. Commuting to and from the office can be a significant source of stress, particularly in congested urban areas. With remote work, employees can avoid the daily commute and instead focus on activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise or meditation.
Finally, remote work can be beneficial for employers as well. With remote workers, companies can tap into a wider pool of talent and save on office expenses. Furthermore, research has shown that remote workers are often more productive than their in-office counterparts.
I can understand some concerns from employers that if employees aren’t in the office, how will you know that they’re being productive, or that the work is being done? The answer is pretty simple – implement the latest technology, standards, and expectations in time tracking. You’ll know if deadlines are missed, or in danger of being missed. At Ace Studios, we use Asana to stay on top of work and Slack to remain in communication with the team. We also have daily morning briefings with team members on Zoom to make sure things are going smoothly and to offer support where needed.
You can even experiment with making your office run on a hybrid structure, as many of our employees *want* to come into the office for those social interactions, they just want to do it under a flexible work schedule. Under this model, we’ve seen our employees be much happier and appreciative of this benefit that, if anything, they work harder than they would if we forced them to be at their desks for the sake of saving face.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that offering workplace flexibility is good for employees and employers alike. Remote and hybrid work environments have proven to be viable options for many companies and have allowed employees to have more flexibility, take better care of their health, and be more productive. It’s time for companies to embrace remote work as a permanent option for their employees, rather than striving for everyone to be back in the office full-time.
