The Threads app, Meta’s text-based social media platform that resembles X (formerly Twitter), is quickly becoming one of the most popular spaces for online conversations. Like Instagram, it emphasizes connections and community, but it offers the simplicity of short posts and real-time discussions. If you’re just starting out, one of the first things you’ll want to learn is how to follow people on Threads. Following others is essential because it shapes the content you see, helps you engage with friends and influencers, and allows you to build your own audience.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the different ways to follow accounts on Threads, highlight practical tips for managing your following list, and explain how this compares to other platforms like Twitter/X and Instagram.
Why Following Matters on Threads
Following people is at the heart of every social media experience. On the Threads app, your feed is a mix of posts from people you follow and recommended content. When you follow someone, you’re signaling to the platform that their content is valuable to you. As a result, their Threads—whether it’s a short text update, an image, or a reply—will appear in your feed more often.
Unlike Instagram, which is heavily centered on visuals, Threads focuses on conversation. This means who you follow has a bigger impact on the quality of discussions you’ll see. For creators, following also builds mutual connections, which can increase engagement and visibility.
How to Follow Someone on Threads
Following directly from a post
The easiest way to follow someone is directly through their post. If you’re scrolling your Threads feed and come across a post you like, tap on the profile name or picture. This will open their profile page, where you’ll see a Follow button. Tap it, and you’ll instantly start following that account.
Following from replies
Threads, like Twitter/X, encourages discussions through replies. If you see an interesting reply in a thread, you can tap on the person’s name to view their profile and follow them. This is a great way to discover new voices in conversations.
Following suggested users
When you first create your Threads account, the app suggests people to follow. These suggestions are often based on who you already follow on Instagram, trending creators, or accounts popular in your region. You can explore these recommendations and follow multiple people with one tap.
Following Instagram connections
Since Threads is linked to Instagram, you can easily follow people you already know. When setting up your account, Threads allows you to import your Instagram following list. You can follow everyone automatically or choose specific accounts. This makes it much easier to transition without having to rebuild your network from scratch.
Following through search
At the bottom of the app, you’ll find the search icon. You can type the name, username, or keyword to find people and topics. Once you find the profile you’re looking for, tap Follow to stay updated with their posts. Search is also useful for discovering public figures, brands, and niche communities.
Managing Your Following List
Checking who you follow
To see who you’re following, go to your profile and tap on the “Following” section. This gives you a list of all accounts you’ve chosen to follow. From here, you can also unfollow people if you no longer want their content in your feed.
Following back
When someone follows you, you’ll get a notification. You can choose to follow them back, which is common if you want to grow mutual connections or support friends and new followers.
Unfollowing and refocusing
As your Threads experience grows, your feed may become crowded. Don’t hesitate to unfollow accounts that no longer interest you. Doing this helps keep your feed relevant and ensures you’re engaging with content that adds value.
Private profiles and requests
Some users may choose to make their Threads profiles private. If you try to follow them, your request will need to be approved. This is similar to Instagram and allows users to control who sees their posts.
Threads vs Twitter: How Following Differs
Because Threads is often compared to Twitter/X, it’s worth looking at the similarities and differences in how following works. On both platforms, following determines what appears in your feed. However, Twitter has long been known for its open, global conversations, while Threads places more emphasis on friendly communities and Instagram-linked connections.
For example, while Twitter allows you to follow trending hashtags extensively, Threads currently focuses more on personal connections and algorithm-driven discovery. This makes following the right people even more important, as they heavily shape the tone of your experience.
Tips for Following the Right People on Threads
- Start with your interests – Follow accounts that align with your hobbies, career goals, or personal passions. This ensures your feed becomes a space that inspires you.
- Mix personal and professional – Balance following friends with thought leaders, industry experts, or creators in your niche. This keeps your feed both enjoyable and educational.
- Engage with replies – If someone posts a thoughtful reply in a thread, check their profile. Following people you discover through conversations helps diversify your feed.
- Avoid over-following – Following too many accounts at once can clutter your feed. Focus on quality over quantity.
- Use search strategically – Instead of browsing randomly, type in topics you care about, like “Threads social media marketing” or “fitness creators,” to find accounts that fit your interests.
Real-World Example: Building a Smart Following List
Imagine you’re a small business owner using Threads to promote your brand. You might start by following your existing Instagram audience who also migrated to Threads. Then, you’d search for industry influencers and follow them to stay on top of trends. Finally, you could follow local creators to connect with your community.
This blend of followers ensures you’re not only building visibility but also curating a feed that helps you learn, network, and stay engaged.
Staying Connected in the Threads Community
Following people on Threads is more than just tapping a button—it’s about building your own corner of the digital community. Who you choose to follow will determine the conversations you join, the trends you see, and the connections you create. Unlike older platforms, Threads offers a fresh start, so you can be intentional about curating a feed that feels meaningful and inspiring.
If you’re new to the Threads app, take time to explore profiles, join conversations, and build a network that reflects your personal or professional goals. Whether you’re using Threads as a casual social media space or as a strategic communication tool, following the right people is your first step toward shaping a valuable and engaging online experience.