Threads vs Twitter: Which is Better

Threads vs Twitter (X): Introduction

The Times They Are A-Changin’ in the world of social media, and they are changing fast. Let’s take text-based social media services as our examples. Two platforms currently at the forefront of user discussions and industry comparisons are currently Threads and Twitter—or X, as it’s now rebranded under Elon Musk’s ownership. These two platforms, although very similar in focusing on creating text-based conversations, are absolutely and inherently different and care to diverse audiences.

How to Master Threads

Threads, launched by Meta in July 2023, was positioned as a direct competitor to Twitter, seeking to capture users frustrated with recent changes on the latter. Twitter’s most successful alternative is designed as an extension of Instagram and integrates seamlessly with its parent app. Its minimalistic approach and ad-free experience have attracted millions of Instagram users looking for a fresh start in online discussions.

In this blog, we’re going to cover the differences between Threads and Twitter and compare their functions, user experience, and more. Let’s dive in.

Threads vs Twitter (X): Who Runs Each?

Let’s talk about the origins and the ownership of these two platforms. They are both own by giant billionaires, but they are differently run. Let’s talk about their owners.

• Threads is developed and operated by Meta, the tech giant previously known as Facebook. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg - which is the first user on Threads - has positioned Threads as a solution for users seeking a less chaotic and more community-focused alternative to Twitter. Was he successful? Well, we can’t tell. What we can say is that Threads is the most successful alternative to X in terms of user base and user retention, and that’s impressive. Zuck and the Meta team leveraged Instagram’s massive user base and entered them into Threads. This provided a seamless interconnectedness between these two platforms.
• X, on the other hand, is owned by Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur known for leading companies like Tesla and SpaceX. Musk acquired Twitter in late 2022 in a highly publicized deal and quickly implemented sweeping changes, including rebranding the platform as X. How Elon visions the future of X is interesting. He wants the platform to be “an everything app”, meaning, in the upcoming updates, we’ll be looking at various payments, shopping, and expanded content creation tools. Must represents X well: both are filled with controversies, sparking political debates on the platform.

Threads vs Twitter (X): Which has a Better User Experience

• Threads is all about simplicity and ease of use. Its integration with Instagram means users can sign up quickly and seamlessly. No need to extra signing up time. You have an Instagram profile? You basically have a Threads profile too - almost. The interface is clean and minimalistic, with a focus on creating positive and meaningful conversations. Threads’ algorithm also favors chronological feeds which adds to its straight-to-the-point vibe. How about ads you ask? Well, none whatsoever - so far at least.
• Twitter (X) offers a feature-rich but more complex experience. It’s a platform designed for power users, with tools for managing lists, hashtags, and trends. The introduction of X Premium adds another layer of functionality for those willing to pay, including editing your tweets as well as increased visibility. However, its algorithm-driven feed sometimes comes across as too cluttered, and the algorithmic frustration may be nipping at some users' heels. Additionally, recent changes under Musk’s leadership, like the shift to a subscription model for certain features, have been polarizing. Some praise the innovation of the billionaire, while most dislike the new features that have added complexity, and miss the good ol’ times!

Threads vs Twitter (X): What About Their Core Features?

When comparing Threads and Twitter, it’s important that we look at their core features to understand what each platform brings to the table. Here’s how they stack up in key areas like post length, media support, analytics, and direct messaging (DMs).

• Post Length:

Threads allows users to share posts up to 500 characters, providing ample space for concise yet meaningful updates. In contrast, Twitter offers a 280-character limit for free users, while X Premium subscribers can post longer tweets, up to 25,000 characters. So, in general for free users, Threads is better than X.

• Media Support:

How about media support on Threads vs X? Both of these text-based platforms support sharing photos, videos, and GIFs. Threads benefits from its seamless integration with Instagram, making it easy to cross-post visual content. Whatever yo post on Instagram can be transferred to Threads with a button. Twitter, however, has more features like video editing, live streaming, and Spaces for audio discussions. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, you just need to see which one is right for you (or your business).

• Analytics:

Analytics is an area where X outshines Threads (sorry Zuck). Twitter provides a more detailed performance metrics for tweets, including impressions, engagement rates, and audience demographics. X Premium users get even deeper insights. Threads, on the other hand, offers limited analytics at this stage and is only available on the desktop version. However, here at Schedul we offer detailed analytics for your Threads account. Check out of Analytics section.

• Direct Messaging (DMs):

On twitter you can easily slide into people’s DMs supports text, media, and group chats, and more. Threads, however, does not have an in-app messaging feature yet. Nope, none. Instead, users are redirected to Instagram for direct messages, which can be pain in your fingers since you have tap away and go on another platform.

Threads vs Twitter: Pros and Cons and Final Decision

Pros of Threads

• Seamless integration with Instagram.
• Less toxic atmosphere compared to Twitter/X
• Ad-free (might change soon) and minimalistic experience.
• Easy sign-up process for Instagram users.
• Monetization opportunities for creators.

Cons of Threads

• Limited features compared to Twitter.
• Less user base and no in-app analytics.
• No sliding to anyone’s DMs.

Pros of Twitter (X)

• Rich feature set, including trending topics.
• A robust in-app analytics section.
• Established user base for real-time news and discussions.

Cons of Twitter (X)

• Increased emphasis on paid subscriptions.
• Algorithmic changes that may affect content visibility.
• Controversies surrounding content moderation and platform policies - all in all a more toxic atmosphere.

Which is Better, Twitter/X or Threads: Final Verdict

The choice between Threads and Twitter ultimately depends on your business and your priorities. If you value simplicity, a distraction-free environment, and integration with Instagram, Threads is the ideal choice.

If you’re looking for all-in-one tool for Threads, check out our app, Schedul.

However, if you seek a platform with diverse features, real-time interactions, and advanced tools for content creators, Twitter remains unmatched the recent controversies.