Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Social Media Decoded
Host: Michelle Thames
Episode: Why Threads Is About to Be a Visibility Power Move in 2026
Date: December 23, 2025

Episode Overview

Michelle Thames explores why Threads is poised to become the go-to platform for entrepreneurs, creators, and brands seeking authentic connection and visibility in 2026. Drawing on her extensive experience working with 100+ brands, Michelle breaks down the social media landscape, explains how Threads stands out, and gives actionable strategies listeners can use to leverage the platform for business growth and community-building.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Problem with Social in 2025

[01:23]–[03:03]

• Platform Fatigue & Performance Culture:

  • Creators are burned out not from creating, but from performing for algorithms and aesthetics rather than building real connections.
  • Instagram has prioritized "aesthetics over authenticity, trends over depth, algorithm over actual humans."
  • TikTok feels “fast, fleeting and unpredictable” with little return for businesses seeking buyers, not just views.

• Importance of Connection Over Virality:

  • Real business impact comes from building relationships, not just reach.

    "Reach did not convert for them, relationships did."
    — Michelle Thames [02:13]

Why Threads Is Poised for Success in 2026

[03:04]–[05:43]

• Built for Conversation, Not Performance:

  • No fancy editing, trending audios, or transitions—just genuine conversation.
  • “People are literally saying, ‘wow, I didn’t know I missed this type of connection.’ That right there, that’s marketing gold.”
    — Michelle Thames [03:38]

• Early Adopter Advantage:

  • Threads is “a small platform with big opportunity”—less noise, more visibility for early movers.
  • Michelle reached 10,000 followers quickly, emphasizing the platform’s current accessibility:

    “It is wide open. Okay, Threads is the same. And in 2026, brands, agencies, speakers, and creators will look back and say, I wish I started building relationships there in 2025."
    — Michelle Thames [04:40]

• Human-First Content Wins:

  • Threads users crave “real opinions, real stories, real conversations, real experiences.”
  • The “talk normal era is back,” helping brands build alignment and real communities.

    "People come to Threads for real opinions, real stories, real conversations, real experiences. The talk normal era is back."
    — Michelle Thames [05:20]

Michelle’s Strategy for Threads Visibility

[05:44]–[06:58]

• How Michelle Uses Threads (with Examples):
  1. Daily Conversational Post:
     • (e.g. “What’s one visibility win you’re proud of this week?” or “Entrepreneurs don’t need more content, they need more community. Fight me. Lol.”)
     • Designed to spark instant engagement.
  2. Daily Insight Post:
     • Short, punchy thought leadership (e.g. “Your personal brand is built in conversations, not carousels.”)
  3. Community Invitations:
     • Events and calls to action, e.g. “I’m hosting a She Connects this Thursday. Drop ‘connect’ if you want in.”
  4. Cross-Visibility:
     • Guide audiences between Threads, Instagram, podcast, and offers to create a platform ecosystem.
     • “Threads pushes people back to Instagram and Instagram pushes people to my podcast and offers.”

Five Actionable Moves to Win on Threads in 2026

[06:59]–[07:44]

• Post daily without overthinking—no graphics, no fluff, just talk.
• Answer questions and truly engage with others.
• Create conversations: ask questions daily.
• Show your personality: let your brand voice be free.
• Intentionally build community. Invite people into your world.

“Threads is not about going viral, it’s about going visible.”
— Michelle Thames [07:36]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On why connection matters more than reach:

  “Reach did not convert for them, relationships did. And that is exactly where Threads is quietly winning.”
  — Michelle Thames [02:13]

• On early adoption:

  “Whenever a platform is in early adoption, the people who show up early get early visibility. We saw this with TikTok in 2020, Instagram in 2013, and YouTube in 2009.”
  — Michelle Thames [04:01]

• On authenticity:

  “The talk normal era is back. This is powerful for visibility because you get to show the human behind the brand, which increases alignment and attracts true community.”
  — Michelle Thames [05:24]

• On the mindset for Threads:

  “Post daily without overthinking. No graphics, no fluff, just talk.”
  — Michelle Thames [07:01]

Key Timestamps

• [01:00] – Introduction and topic overview
• [01:23] – Problems with current social platforms
• [03:04] – What sets Threads apart
• [05:44] – Michelle’s day-to-day Threads strategy
• [06:59] – Five actionable moves for Threads in 2026
• [07:44] – Call to action and episode wrap-up

Main Takeaways

• Threads offers an authentic, community-focused alternative to algorithm-driven social media.
• Early adopters have a golden opportunity to claim visibility and establish authority.
• The platform thrives on real, unfiltered conversations—showing your brand’s human side is the new strategy.
• A daily presence, genuine engagement, and cross-platform ecosystem can exponentially grow reach and impact.
• Now is the moment to build relationships on Threads; 2026 will reward the bold and genuine.

For more insights and to connect directly: follow Michelle L. Thames on Threads and Instagram.