Recently, Meta is testing a major update: allowing users to register Threads through Facebook accounts, instead of forcing them to bind to Instagram! This change will not only bring more non-IG users to Threads, but also open up a new entry for those of us who want to try it out but don't want to bind too many social accounts.
What does this update mean? What should ordinary users pay attention to? Is it worth trying now? This article will give you a comprehensive analysis of this change that is being tested, and teach you how to prepare in advance, or even experience it first.
What is Facebook account registration Threads?
"Facebook Sign Up for Threads" is a new feature that Meta recently tested. It allows users to use their Facebook account as authentication and information source when registering for Threads, and they can create a Threads account without an Instagram account.
This registration method is different from the previous IG import mechanism, and focuses more on the integration experience between social interest matching and the platform. In short, it is:
New users can choose to register Threads with one click using their Facebook account
Content and recommendations are based on Facebook activity records;
Account information will be shared with Facebook for a more unified login experience.
Who is it suitable for?
New users who don't have Instagram but have Facebook accounts
Users who want to try different social circles and don't want to replicate IG's social relationships
Users who are used to using Facebook to log in to various applications and want to reduce account management costs
This feature will greatly lower the entry barrier for Facebook users who do not yet have Instagram, and may also bring about the next wave of user growth.
Facebook Threads: Introduction to the latest test function
Features Overview:
Users can register for Threads directly through their Facebook account.
You don't need an IG account to use Threads (some users have already opened it up and don't need to bind to IG).
The system will automatically recommend content based on Facebook friends, interests and interaction records.
Login information will be shared with Facebook, allowing you to log in to multiple Meta platforms with one click.
Advertisements and content recommendations will be personalized based on Facebook data.
Excerpt from the official statement:
"Signing up for Threads with your Facebook account unlocks cross-platform integration between Threads and Facebook, such as using the same login information to access both apps."
How to be the first to experience the Facebook registration function?
This feature is currently in beta and not yet fully available, but you can do this:
Method 1: Check if the Facebook option appears on the Threads registration page
Some users can already see the "Sign up with Facebook" button. If you see it, congratulations, you can use it directly!
Method 2: Keep the Facebook App in the latest version
Meta's testing is usually prioritized for users of the latest client, so make sure you have updated the Facebook and Threads apps.
Method 3: Participate in the Meta tester program (TestFlight / Beta user)
You can join the Meta testing program through the App Store or Google Play to get priority experience of new features.
Why did Meta add Facebook registration option?
This is a key step for Meta to further expand the user base of Threads:
Instagram has about 2 billion active users, while Facebook has over 3 billion, which means there are still billions of potential users who have not yet accessed Threads.
Threads previously cancelled the feature of "importing Instagram social graph by default" for the following reasons:
"Users prefer to build a social network on Threads that is different from Instagram." — Adam Mosseri, head of InstagramThe graph imported from Facebook may be more suitable for the content distribution logic of Threads than IG, especially for non-visual content enthusiasts.
What's the momentum for Threads?
As of April 2025, Threads has 350 million monthly active users, approaching X (formerly Twitter)'s 600 million active users.
According to the latest data from SimilarWeb, Threads' daily active users on mobile devices have fallen behind X by only 17 million.
In some countries, users stay longer than X
Threads has long been at the top of the download charts of major app markets.
Now with the help of Facebook's user pool, Meta is expected to inject new vitality into Threads and further impact X's leading position.
Instagram map import has been cancelled: What does it mean?
As early as the end of 2023, IG head Adam Mosseri said that the Instagram map import function would be gradually cancelled. The reason is simple:
"Users prefer to build a whole new social network on Threads rather than duplicating the relationships they follow on Instagram."
This also shows that Threads is no longer just an "extension plug-in" of IG, but is on the path of independent development.
How should we respond to this trend?
1. Prepare a Facebook account in advance: to pave the way for directly registering Threads in the future;
2. Pay attention to Threads content trends: especially the monetization opportunities of text, hot topics, and social topics;
3. Brand/self-media entry strategy layout in advance: If Facebook one-click import is enabled in the future, it means that a new channel for fan growth will be opened;
4. Test the differences in recommendations from different graphs: You can compare whether the content recommended by registering with Instagram is more in line with your interests than that recommended by registering with Facebook.
Conclusion
Meta's adjustment is not only to facilitate registration, but also to redefine the user structure and recommendation logic of Threads.
It is no longer just an "IG extension", but is evolving towards an "extension of Facebook Moments", and the content preferences will be closer to your real social interests.
Would you register for Threads with a Facebook account? Do you prefer IG's social circle or Facebook's acquaintance network?
