A number of optical professionals have already created Threads accounts, and are using it similarly to Twitter, like Mahnia Madan, OD, FAAO. Image via dr.mahnia.madan on Threads

  
NEW YORK—Earlier this month, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, officially launched Threads, its brand new Twitter competitor. Threads is designed to look and operate similarly to Twitter, with a feed of mostly text posts that other users can reply to or repost. Users can also attach images and videos to their Threads posts, and the posts themselves have a 500 character limit. In its first week, CNN reported, Threads received 100 million signups, with many celebrities and other public figures migrating over to the new platform. So what does the optical community need to know about Threads? Should ECPs be rushing to sign up?

Of course, it’s impossible to predict the app’s longevity, but the app’s close relationship to Instagram might help it last a little longer than other flashes in the pan. Instagram users who make a Threads account are able to simply import their information, including their username, following list, profile picture and more, making it seamless to adopt the new platform.

Users who are verified on Instagram will also be verified on Thread, and Threads users can easily share their updates to their Instagram stories. However, it’s also worth noticing that if you make a Threads account you cannot delete it without also deleting your accompanying Instagram account.

 
 Designers are heading to the app too, like Coco and Breezy. Image via cocoandbreezy on Threads
  
Still pretty bare bones, Meta has reportedly teased further updates to Threads, including a desktop version, direct messaging, trending topics, hashtags, a better search function and more, CNN reported. Threads currently operates on an algorithm, but may soon add an option for users to see posts only from users they themselves have chosen to follow.

In addition to celebrities, news organizations and businesses have created Threads accounts, too. From first glance, it does seem like Threads is taking off—and making an account might help ECPs get on the ground level of a fresh new social network. Some have already taken to the app, breaking new ground for the optical industry online.

All in all, Threads is not difficult to use if you know how to use Twitter, and its simple layout and structure makes it easy to navigate and spend time on, too. While brands and social media influencers continue to figure out their Threads strategies, checking out the app might be worthwhile—though it is yet to replace Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as the main places to share important news and updates. It’s available for free on the app store.


Instagram users who have a Threads account will receive a badge in their Instagram bio, as shown here on Vision Expo’s account. Clicking on the badge will take users straight to Threads. Image via vision.expo on Instagram 



Updates posted on Threads can be easily shared to Instagram stories, like this example from Harbir Sian, OD. Image via harbirsian.od Instagram stories