Threads: The new social media platform lets you share videos.
Videos on Threads. Writing with Bard AI Chatbot
Threads, the new social app from Meta (Facebook), currently works only on mobile devices, and it requires an Instagram account. To use Threads, go to apps on your Android or iPhone or iPad and download the free Threads app. Open your Instagram account, then open the Threads app. The app is new, and additional features probably be added. The information here is current as of this writing.
Google’s Bard lets artificial intelligence write for you.
The following was written by Bard, Google’s AI Chatbot writing platform. I asked it to describe how to use video on Threads. I added my comments in bold.
Threads can be a great way to market your business or brand. Here are a few ideas:
- Share behind-the-scenes content. Give your followers a glimpse into your day-to-day operations, from brainstorming sessions to product development to customer service. This will help them feel more connected to your brand and build trust.
- Host Q&As. Answer your followers’ questions about your products, services, or industry. This is a great way to show off your expertise and build relationships with your audience.
- Run contests and giveaways. This is a fun way to generate excitement and engagement around your brand. Just be sure to have clear rules and guidelines, and make sure the prizes are relevant to your target audience.
- Promote your other social media channels. Share links to your Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts to drive traffic to your other platforms. You need an Instagram account to sign up for Threads.
To post videos on Threads, you can either record them directly in the app or import them from your camera roll. When you’re creating a video post, you can add text, stickers, and filters. You can also choose to share the video with your followers on Instagram or keep it private.
Here are some tips for posting videos on Threads:
- Keep your videos short and sweet. People are more likely to watch a short video than a long one. Threads has a five-minute limit to videos posted directly, but you can post a link to your video on YouTube or a similar video hosting site.
- Use high-quality video. Make sure your videos are clear and well-lit.
From Stu: Don’t forget the audio. Use an external microphone or earbuds that have a microphone
- Add text and stickers to your videos. This can help to make them more engaging and visually appealing.
- Share your videos with your followers on Instagram. This will help to reach a wider audience.
Here are some examples of how businesses are using Threads for marketing:
- Nike: Nike uses Threads to share behind-the-scenes content from its product photoshoots and to host Q&As with athletes.
- Glossier: Glossier uses Threads to share product tutorials, beauty tips, and stories from its customers.
- Airbnb: Airbnb uses Threads to share travel inspiration, tips, and stories from its hosts and guests.
Threads is a relatively new platform, so it’s still up for grabs. If you’re looking for a way to connect with your audience on a more personal level, Threads is a great option.
If you are concerned about privacy, note that, Threads can collect personal information. While Threads states they are available in over 100 countries, the European Union currently does not allow Threads, due to strict data privacy rules.
The following was written by a human, Stu Sweetow
Threads currently works only on mobile devices. If you want to see my Thread posts, please go to apps on your Android or iPhone or iPad and download the free Threads app. You will need an Instagram account to use Threads. My Threads name is stu_sweetow.
Threads links to your Instagram page where you have more tools
Instagram has more features than Threads and Threads currently works only with mobile. This is the link to my Instagram account, accessible on a PC or mobile device. https://www.instagram.com/stu_sweetow/?hl=en You’ll have to use a mobile device to see my Threads account stu_sweetow
Instagram video was previously known as IGTV
In 2021, Instagram stopped using IGTV as a separate app. They incorporated video into the existing Instagram app. It is designed for mobile phones. While PC computers display at 16:9 widescreen, Instagram video is 9:16. Once you open the Instagram app on your phone, a video (or “reel”) will play right away.
How to import an existing 16:9 video from a pro camera, into an Instagram 9×16 image
Our client asked us to create Instagram videos from their exiting productions, shot with a widescreen 16:9 camera. We added a title on the top and added captions on the bottom of the screen. We also did a little cropping of the client’s video so it would fill the remaining middle section of the 9:16 image.
Rather than use auto-captioning, we typed the captions to make it easier to read. New sentences or phrases are shown on subsequent screens. Auto-captioning can be difficult to follow because it doesn’t care about the reader. It is just an AI robot.
