What Is Threads? Messaging, Muting, and How to Use IG Threads

Threads is a text-based social platform developed by Meta (Instagram’s parent company), featuring a clean posting interface and fast interaction features. Threads is designed for users to share ideas or discuss trending topics with like-minded people. Users can create posts, reply to others, and repost content.

Commonly known in Chinese as “Chuan Chuan” or “Zhui,” Threads is different from Instagram in that it emphasizes text-based sharing.

Reasons why Threads became so popular include:

• Seamless integration with Instagram—log in with just one tap
• Supports images, videos, GIFs, voice recordings, and polls
• Focuses on threaded conversations that promote engagement
• Changes in Twitter (X)’s policy and features drove users to switch platforms

When choosing a social platform, Threads and Twitter are often compared. However, they differ in sign-up process, interaction styles, and feature restrictions. Threads leans toward lightweight, private socializing, making it ideal for users who prefer visual and familiar IG-style experiences. Here's a comparison table:

New to Threads and wondering how to use it? It’s easier than you think. You can register and make a post in just a few steps.

Download Threads

You can download the Threads app from the App Store or Google Play, or log in via web. Note: You must have an Instagram account to sign up for Threads.

Sign-Up Steps

1. Go to the App Store or Google Play and download Threads
2. Log in with your Instagram account
3. Set up your Threads profile and privacy settings (public or private)

Steps to Post on Threads

Posting on Threads is similar to Instagram—just simpler. Here’s how to post:

Step 1: Tap the center icon at the bottom of the Threads home screen

Step 2: Write your Threads post

You’ll be directed to the posting screen:

Besides typing, you can also add photos or videos from your album, use the camera, insert GIFs, record voice messages, start a topic, or launch a poll.

Threads offers features to limit or mute accounts, improving the quality of your social experience.

Restrict Accounts

This feature hides comments and stops notifications from selected users. Benefits include:

• Hidden comments and no notifications from the restricted user
• Restrictions sync with linked Instagram account
• Helps avoid distractions from unfamiliar users

How to Restrict an Account

Step 1: Go to the user’s profile and tap the three-dot icon

Step 2: Tap “Restrict”—you’ll get a confirmation notice

Mute Accounts

Muting hides a user’s posts without unfollowing or notifying them. Just tap the three dots on a post and select “Mute.”

• Hides posts from muted accounts in your feed
• Does not affect follow status
• Perfect when you want distance but not a full unfollow

Hidden Words and Topic Filters

If you want to avoid certain topics or words, go to privacy settings (lock icon) and turn on “Hidden Words.”

Step 1: Tap the “Privacy” icon

Step 2: Select “Hidden Words”

Step 3: Enable hidden words

How Messaging Works on Threads

Threads currently does not have a direct messaging system. However, you can create posts that only mentioned users can reply to—similar to a private chat.

During posting, change reply settings from “Followers can reply” to “Mentioned only.”

Share Threads Posts to Instagram

You can share Threads posts to Instagram Stories or feed. Tap the share icon under a post and choose where to share it.

Step 1: Tap the “Share” icon

Step 2: Choose to share to Instagram Story or Post

Post Multiple Threads at Once

If you want to post multiple updates at once, just press the return key three times to add new posts in a single thread.

• Threaded posts enable ongoing, topic-based interactions
• Reply settings give you control over who can engage
• Supports media types like images, GIFs, videos, voice, mentions, and hashtags
• No DM feature, but reply restrictions simulate private messaging
• Custom privacy settings like hiding likes and filtering words

Want to crack the Threads engagement code? Post design is key—clarity in topic, relatable tone, and knowing your audience are vital.

Try tools like GenApe’s Threads Caption Generator—it crafts thread-worthy captions, emojis, and hashtags based on your content goals and tone.

It’s not about replacing creativity, but helping you get started when inspiration is low—whether you’re an individual or brand, knowing what to post and how often is the key to long-term growth.

Try Threads Post Generator for free now: https://app.genape.ai/ig-threads

Are there limits to Threads posts?

• Text: Up to 500 characters
• Images: Up to 10 per post
• Videos: Up to 5 minutes

Why can’t I see some Threads posts?

If replies don’t show up, the original post might belong to a private account that you’re not following.

Will deleting Threads delete my IG account?

Yes. Since Threads is linked to Instagram, deleting your Threads account will also delete your Instagram account. If you want a break, consider deactivating Threads or switching to a private account instead.

How to show Threads badge on Instagram?

1. Open Instagram and go to “Edit Profile”
2. Enable “Show Threads Badge” to display it on your profile

Want help writing captions that drive traffic? Try GenApe’s AI-powered Threads caption generator—it uses your chosen tone, topic, and audience to create posts with emojis, hashtags, and engagement hooks.

Try Threads Post Generator for free now: https://app.genape.ai/ig-threads