Instagram has launched a new messaging app called Threads in a bid to rival Snapchat. Designed to help you stay connected with your closest friends, the app allows you to share text, photos and videos.
The free app has been described by owner Facebook as a ‘visual first way of messaging’.
How does Threads work?
Threads imports your ‘close friends’ list from Instagram and mirrors your Instagram DMs. The app will have its own dedicated inbox and notifications separate to your Instagram messages.
If you don’t already have this set up, you can create a list directly within the app.
As well as sharing text, photo and video messages the app will automatically share information such as a user’s location, status, battery life and speed with friends.
The app defaults to a camera screen for taking photos and videos, unfortunately it doesn’t offer any filters. However, it does allow you to customise your shortcuts to choose those who you contact the most and put their profile photo on the bottom of the camera screen.
In a throwback to popular instant messaging platforms, there’s even a status feature where you can create your own, choose a suggested status or turn on Auto Status, which shares where you are going without giving away your exact location.
In an announcement Instagram said: “Over the last few years, we’ve introduced several new ways to share visually on Instagram and connect with people you care about – from sharing everyday moments on Stories to visual messages on Direct.
“But for your smaller circle of friends, we saw the need to stay more connected throughout the day, so you can communication what you’re doing and how you’re feeling through photos and videos.
“That’s why we built Threads, a new way to message with close friends in a dedicated, private space.”
We expect Threads to quickly become a popular add in the coming months. With its easy interface and ability to connect with your closest circle of friends it’s easy to see why.
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