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After some time of waiting, we’re finally able to try out Threads, Meta’s answer to Twitter. People are cracking into the app, and they’re finding out all of the stuff that they can do. On the opposite side of that coin, they’re also finding out what they can’t do in Threads. Here’s a rundown of those things.
This isn’t meant to turn you away from the app. By all means, try it out and see what “Zuck” has up his sleeves. One thing to note, however, is that you should expect the app to add functionality over time. There are things you can’t do now, but that might not be the case a couple of months or even weeks from now. Just keep that in mind.
Before we get started, what is Threads?
In case you’re not familiar with this app, this is Meta’s version of Twitter. It’s a social media app that’s tied to Instagram, according to the company. However, there’s not much tying it to Instagram outside of the fact that you can log in with your Instagram credentials.
It follows the Twitter formula closely. You can make text-based posts, and they’ll be presented on an ever-scrolling feed. Along with text, you’re also able to post photos and videos.
What you can’t do in Meta’s Threads
So, you just downloaded Threads and you’re one of the over 100 million people threading along. That’s all fine and dandy. However, in this early stage of the platform, you’re going to quickly realize that there are some things that you won’t be able to do.
No DMs: Sorry, no sliding today
[Updated February 2024: Threads is currently working on bringing this feature to the app]
One core aspect of social media is being able to quickly and easily send a message to another person or group. This is why all major social media platforms have a DM (Direct Messaging) function. However, Threads doesn’t let you message other people as of yet.
That’s weird seeing as Instagram has a DM function, and Threads and Instagram are conjoined twins. It’d be nice if Meta could give us a messaging function for Threads.
However, since Threads and Instagram are so closely related, it’d be neat if the company could give us a unified messaging experience. If your Threads messages and Instagram messages could exist in the same inbox on both apps.
When you open your inbox on either app you’ll have a tab that will show just your Instagram messages and a tab that just shows your Threads message. There could also be a tab that shows both. We’ll have to wait to see what Meta plans to do.
Post GIFs from your keyboard: You have to work for it…
We all know that GIFs are like a second language to most of us. We’re able to post them on Twitter as an illustrated response to someone’s hot take. Recently, people gained the ability to post them on Instagram. When it comes to Threads, you can post them, but there’s a catch.
You’re not able to post them straight from your keyboard. Digital keyboards like Gboard have a GIFs tab that provides GIFs for you to insert with a single tap. If you try to do so, you’ll be met with disappointment.
[Updated February 2024] How to insert GIFs
While you can’t insert GIFs using your keyboard, it’s easier to do so than when Threads first launched. When you’re making a new post, you’ll see the GIF button right under the text field. This will bring up a panel of GIfs that you can search. This board is powered by Giphy.
You can still add GIFs by uploading them right from your device. Just tap on the Add image button (right next to the GIF button) and select the file from your phone. It will upload it and function as usual.
See a timeline of just those you follow: We get it, celebrities exist!
[UPDATE: Threads added this feature in version 293.0.0.30.113]
Sorry to break this to you, but just like with other social media sites, you’re fighting the algorithm with Threads. It’s tough for the little guy to get noticed on social media. Most people post photos and videos to a handful of views while others wrack up millions. One unfortunate thing about this is that celebrities, influencers, and famous content creators are a shoo-in to gain millions of followers, views, likes, and comments.
In the case of Threads, it’s much the same. When you sign into Threads, you’ll be greeted by a feed of mostly super famous people. You’ll see celebrities and influencers who you didn’t even follow. You’ll see their follower count skyrocket by the second while yours doesn’t as fast.
However, Instagram fixed its feed issue by offering a Followed feed. This is something that people want to see from Threads. The super famous individuals already have millions of followers across the internet. Threads is a new platform, a chance for a new start, and probably a new community of people. It’s a bit of a smack to the face having the same thing happen as with other platforms.
Trim videos: You have to use other apps… darn
Threads gives you the ability to post pictures and videos. You can post videos up to several minutes in length, but if you exceed the maximum length for a video, you won’t be able to quickly trim the fat to make it fit.
After you select the video from your media library, you’ll just get a preview of the video, and that’s it. If you tap on the video, you’ll be brought back to the media picker UI. Also, if the video is too long, it seems that the app will attempt to upload it and give you a “Failed to upload” message. Hopefully, the app will allow you to trim your videos.
Edit photos: Zuckerberg, are you sure this is an Instagram app?
Threads is an Instagram app, and it’s heavily riding its parent app’s coattails. However, if you’re planning on uploading an image, then you’ll be met with a bare-bones experience. You’re not able to crop your photos before posting them. Also, you’re not able to add filters or make any adjustments.
You’re given a rudimentary photo editing experience on Instagram. You’re able to crop your photo, adjust the colors and brightness, apply effects, and more. Hopefully, Threads will inherit some of Instagram’s photo editing prowess.
Delete your account without deleting your Instagram account: Ride together, die together
[Update February 2024: You can now delete your Threads account without deleting your Instagram account]
Everyone experiences buyer’s remorse (or the equivalent of signing up for an account only to find out that you hate it), and we’ve found ourselves searching for the “Delete account” button from time to time.
In the case of Threads, if you decide that you don’t want to keep your account around, the only way that you can get rid of your Threads account is to delete your Instagram account in the process. That’s a bummer.
It feels like Meta built Threads off of Instagram just to rush it to the market and capitalize on Elon Musk going down with the ship. Thus, Threads might be so tied to Instagram that they’re basically conjoined. If that’s the case, then Meta dropped the ball.
The company stated that it’s looking for a way for users to delete accounts separate from one another. It seems odd that the company is trying to figure this out for its own app. In any case, you can expect this feature eventually.
Make voice or video calls: No accidental video calls to your Threads pals
Several social platforms allow you to make voice and video calls to other folks; however, you can’t with Threads. That’s a little ironic because all of the other Meta-owned platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) allow you to do this. The company is still working on bringing basic DMs to the platform. So, hopefully, Threads will bring the ability to make calls soon after.