Meta’s new social media platform, Threads, has gained significant attention as a rival to Twitter. Since its launch, users have been eager to explore its features, and one of the most common questions is whether Threads automatically follows your Instagram accounts. If you’re wondering how account linking works between Threads and Instagram, this article provides a detailed explanation.
How Threads Connects with Instagram
Threads is seamlessly integrated with Instagram, making it easy for users to transition from one platform to the other. Unlike standalone platforms, Threads is built as an extension of Instagram, which means many elements, including your profile and followers, are linked.
Does Threads Automatically Follow Instagram Accounts?
The simple answer is: it depends on your choice during setup. When you first create a Threads account using your Instagram credentials, the app provides an option to follow the same people you follow on Instagram. However, this process is not automatic—you must confirm whether you want to follow them.
- If you choose to follow everyone, your Threads account will automatically follow all the Instagram accounts you follow (if they have a Threads profile).
- If you skip this step, you will need to follow people manually later.
It’s worth noting that if someone joins Threads after you, the app may notify you, but it will not follow them automatically unless you do so yourself.
How to Manage Follows on Threads
If you didn’t enable automatic following during the setup or want to adjust your follower list, there are a few simple ways to manage it:
1. Follow Accounts Manually
To follow someone on Threads, you can:
- Use the search function to find specific users.
- Check your profile’s “Following” section to see suggested accounts.
- Browse through your Instagram connections for those who have joined Threads.
2. Adjust Your Follow Settings
If you made a choice during setup that you now want to change, you can still manage your following list by revisiting the people you follow on Instagram and manually following them on Threads.
What Happens If Someone You Follow on Instagram Joins Threads Later?
If an Instagram connection joins Threads after your account is already set up, you won’t automatically follow them unless you actively do so. However, the platform may suggest them in your feed or notifications.

Privacy and Control Over Your Following List
One advantage of Threads is that it gives you full control over your follower list. If you opt not to follow someone from Instagram, they won’t be automatically added to your Threads account. This ensures that users can customize their engagement on the app.
Managing Followers and Privacy
Since Threads is linked to Instagram, many privacy settings from your Instagram account carry over. You can:
- Set your Threads account as private to control who follows you.
- Block or remove followers if necessary.
- Mute certain accounts to reduce unwanted content from appearing in your feed.
Benefits of Following Your Instagram Connections on Threads
Why should you consider following the same people you follow on Instagram? Here are a few benefits:
- Seamless Engagement – Interact with familiar accounts without having to search for them separately.
- Personalized Feed – Your Threads feed will likely align with your Instagram preferences.
- Easier Networking – If you use Instagram for business or professional connections, keeping the same network on Threads can boost engagement.

Final Thoughts
Threads offers a smooth transition from Instagram, allowing users to follow existing connections effortlessly. However, it does not automatically follow Instagram accounts unless you choose to do so during setup. This flexibility gives users full control over their follow list, helping them create and curate their experience on the platform.
As Threads continues to evolve, new features may further enhance the way you connect with people. Until then, the key takeaway is that following Instagram accounts on Threads is optional, and you can tailor your following list based on your preferences.