Quick Start Guide to Using Instagram Threads
By: Karima Iya
What The Heck Is Threads?
Instagram Threads is a messaging app designed for close friends and your inner circle. It focuses on sharing photos, videos, messages, and status updates with your selected contacts. Here’s a quick guide to get you started with Instagram Threads:
1. Installation and Sign Up:
- Download Instagram Threads from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and sign in using your Instagram account credentials.
- Grant the necessary permissions for notifications to ensure you receive updates from your close friends.
2. Creating Close Friends List:
- Tap on the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen.
- Select "Close Friends" and add desired contacts to your list.
- This list will determine who you can share your status updates and messages with on Threads.
3. Set Status:
- Tap on the "Message" icon at the bottom of the screen.
- At the top, you can find a text box labeled "Status."
- Enter a brief status update or select an auto-status option like "On the move," "At home," etc.
4. Sharing Photos and Videos:
- Tap on the camera icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Grant necessary camera or media permissions if prompted.
- Select a photo or video from your gallery or take one instantly.
- Apply filters, add captions or other creative effects.
- Choose recipients from your close friends list and tap on the arrow icon to send.
5. Messages and Chats:
- Tap on the "Message" icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Type your message and select recipients from your close friends list.
- You can also reply to someone’s status directly by swiping left on their status update.
- Threads also offer the ability to send photos or videos directly as messages.
6. Auto Status:
- Threads can automatically update your status based on your location, movement, or other activities.
- To enable auto status, go to the "Settings" tab in Threads.
- Tap on "Auto Status," select your preferred options, and grant required permissions.
- You can customize which friends see specific auto status updates.
7. Customize Notifications:
- Access the "Settings" tab in Threads.
- Choose "Notification Settings" to personalize your notification preferences.
- You can adjust settings for various notifications like messages, mentions, reactions, and more.
8. Privacy and Account Settings:
- Threads grants you control over your privacy and account settings.
- Tap on the profile icon at the bottom right.
- Access "Settings" to modify account information, privacy settings, manage blocked contacts, and more.
9. Explore Camera Effects:
- While capturing photos or videos, explore Threads' creative camera effects by tapping the wand icon on the right side of the screen.
- Experiment with filters, stickers, augmented reality effects, and more to enhance your media.
Remember, Instagram Threads is designed for your close friends and inner circle. Keep in mind the privacy of others and respect their boundaries when sharing and sending content. Enjoy connecting and sharing moments with your closest friends using Instagram Threads!
