Perhaps you joined the Threads platform to explore Meta’s competition for Twitter. If you’ve reached a decision that it isn’t the right fit for you or if you desire a fresh start, simply eliminating your Threads profile might lead to unintended consequences. As highlighted by The Verge, doing so will also wipe out your entire Instagram account. Your Instagram credentials can be used to open a Threads account, enabling you to transfer your profile and circles from the image-centric app. However, this action links your accounts on both platforms inseparably.
Adam Mosseri, the chief of Instagram, acknowledged the problem in a Threads post, stating that Meta is aware and is actively seeking a solution to facilitate separate deletion of Threads accounts. The firm is also developing missing features for the app, such as the following tab, hashtags, fediverse support, and messaging. In the meantime, users can deactivate their Threads account to conceal their profile and content, or set their profile to private, or choose to delete individual threads. It’s worth noting that you can also register a Threads account using an email or a phone number not associated with your Instagram account, allowing you to keep both platforms entirely independent.
Threads couldn’t have been launched by Meta at a more opportune time. Recent Twitter changes have managed to aggravate even their most loyal users. Initially, it disallowed non-logged in users from viewing tweets – a policy it discreetly reversed later – and then imposed a severe limit on the number of posts users can view daily. Threads saw around 10 million sign-ups within its first seven hours, and within the first morning of its release, it amassed 30 million users. Shortly after Threads’ launch, Twitter accused Meta of employee poaching, misappropriation of trade secrets, and intellectual property theft, threatening legal action. Responding to a tweet about the potential lawsuit, Elon Musk responded, “Competition is fine, cheating is not.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Meta Threads Account Separation
What happens if I delete my Threads account that’s linked to Instagram?
If your Threads account is linked to your Instagram account, deleting your Threads account will also erase your Instagram account entirely.
Is Meta aware of the issue of linked account deletions between Threads and Instagram?
Yes, Meta is aware of this issue. According to a post by Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, the company is currently working on a solution to allow separate deletion of Threads accounts.
Are there any upcoming features on the Threads platform?
Yes, Meta is developing additional features for Threads, including the following tab, hashtags, fediverse support, and messaging.
How can I prevent my Threads and Instagram accounts from being linked?
You can prevent your accounts from being linked by signing up for Threads with an email or phone number that isn’t connected to your Instagram account. This will keep your activities on both platforms separate.
How has Threads fared since its launch?
Threads had a successful launch, with around 10 million users signing up within the first seven hours. By the first morning, it already had 30 million users.
More about Meta Threads Account Separation
- Meta’s Announcement on Threads
- The Verge Article on Threads
- Threads’ Launch Report
- Twitter’s Legal Action Against Meta
- Elon Musk’s Response to Potential Lawsuit
6 comments
Signed up for Threads, kinda cool tbh. But the signup should have warned about this issue, communication is key folks!
What were they thinkin? Linking accounts without a separate deletion option, not cool Meta, not cool…
Classic Elon response! haha “Competition is fine, cheating is not.” Well said, sir, well said.
I’m all for interconnected social media, but not if it risks losing data on one platform. Meta needs to fix this asap!
Threads’ user base is growing fast. Twitter might have a serious competitor on its hands, lawsuit or no lawsuit.
Wow, this is crazy! Didn’t know deleting Threads could wipe out my Insta. Thankfully, haven’t done that yet. phew!