> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tryordinal.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Threads

> Schedule Threads posts with text, images, video, or as multi-part threads. Connects through Instagram (Business or Creator account, public profile).

Threads is where text-first conversations happen. If you're already on Instagram, you likely have a Threads account - and in Ordinal, you can schedule text posts, image carousels, videos, and multi-part threads to keep the conversation going.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/ordinal/KESJyjE7WOg0l7Ll/images/threads-hero.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=KESJyjE7WOg0l7Ll&q=85&s=f10ff9f90398c13280c282bfdac70f97" alt="Threads Hero" width="1500" height="900" data-path="images/threads-hero.jpg" />

## Overview

Threads connects through Instagram and requires a **Business or Creator account** (not personal). Your Threads profile must also be public - private profiles can't connect via the API.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Connecting Threads" icon="plug" href="#connecting-threads">
    Connect via your Instagram account
  </Card>

  <Card title="Drafting a Post" icon="pen-to-square" href="#drafting-a-threads-post">
    Formatting, mentions, and media
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multi-part Threads" icon="layer-group" href="#multi-part-threads">
    Longer stories across connected posts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Analytics" icon="chart-line" href="#analytics">
    Track reach, engagement, and growth
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Connecting Threads

Go to [**Settings → Profiles → Scheduling**](https://app.tryordinal.com/settings/profiles/scheduling/threads), click **Connect Threads**, and follow the Threads authentication flow. You'll sign in with your Instagram credentials.

| Requirement        | Details                                 |
| ------------------ | --------------------------------------- |
| Account type       | Instagram Business or Creator           |
| Profile visibility | Public (private profiles can't connect) |
| Authentication     | Via Threads                             |

## Drafting a Threads Post

### What you can post

| Feature                                   | Supported | Notes                       |
| ----------------------------------------- | --------- | --------------------------- |
| Text posts                                | ✅         | Up to 500 characters        |
| [Images](#images)                         | ✅         | Up to 20 per carousel       |
| [Videos](#videos)                         | ✅         | Up to 5 minutes             |
| [Multi-part threads](#multi-part-threads) | ✅         | Each segment gets own media |
| Polls                                     | ❌         | Not currently supported     |

### Drafting & Formatting

The Threads editor supports rich formatting through Unicode characters, which render as **bold** and *italic* on Threads:

* **Bold / Italic**: Use the toolbar buttons or press `Cmd/Ctrl + B` for bold and `Cmd/Ctrl + I` for italic
* **Hashtags**: Type `#` followed by your tag - they'll automatically link to Threads search
* **Mentions**: Type `@` followed by a username - they'll link to that profile on Threads
* **Links**: Paste URLs directly into your post (they count toward the 500 character limit)

Each post or thread segment is limited to **500 characters**. The character counter updates in real-time as you type.

<Card title="Drafting Posts" icon="keyboard" href="/posts/drafting-posts">
  Full guide to formatting, mentions, slash commands, and keyboard shortcuts.
</Card>

### Post Preview

As you draft, the editor shows a live preview that matches how your content will appear on Threads - including your profile picture and username.

### Link Previews

When you add a URL to a text-only post (no images or videos), Ordinal displays a link preview card showing the destination's title and thumbnail. Link previews only appear when your post has no media attached - adding images or videos takes priority.

## Post Types

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Images">
    Upload images to create visual posts or carousels:

    | Spec         | Limit                               |
    | ------------ | ----------------------------------- |
    | Formats      | JPG, PNG                            |
    | Size         | 8MB per image                       |
    | Aspect ratio | Max 10:1 (images too wide rejected) |
    | Per post     | Up to 20 images                     |

    Multiple images automatically create a swipeable carousel. Ordinal compresses oversized images automatically.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Videos">
    Upload video content directly to Threads:

    | Spec         | Limit           |
    | ------------ | --------------- |
    | Formats      | MP4, MOV        |
    | Duration     | Up to 5 minutes |
    | Aspect ratio | 0.01:1 to 10:1  |

    Vertical video (9:16) is recommended for best display on mobile. Ordinal automatically compresses videos over 125MB or wider than 1920px.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Multi-part Threads

Multi-part threads let you tell longer stories across multiple connected posts. Each segment can have its own text and media.

**Creating a multi-part thread:**

1. Write your first post
2. Click **Add Thread** to add the next segment
3. Each segment gets its own 500-character limit and media
4. Continue adding as many segments as needed
5. All segments publish together in sequence

### Reordering Segments

Use the **up/down arrow buttons** next to each segment to rearrange the order. Changes save automatically.

<Tip>
  The first segment is what people see in their feed - make it compelling to encourage them to read on.
</Tip>

## Analytics

Analytics are not currently available for Threads, but are coming soon. Send us an email at [support@tryordinal.com](mailto:support@tryordinal.com) if you're interested in early access.

<Card title="Analytics overview" icon="chart-mixed" href="/analytics/overview">
  Learn more about tracking performance across all your connected profiles.
</Card>

## Learn more

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Instagram" icon="instagram" href="/social-profiles/instagram">
    A natural cross-posting option.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Twitter / X" icon="x-twitter" href="/social-profiles/twitter">
    Great cross-posting partner.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>