I know it’s not the most startlingly original title but after 2 nights of poor sleep on the sofa (husband has Covid and I’m trying, desperately not to catch it) it’s the best I’m going to get.
So, it’s been a week since Threads, the new social media platform from Meta, hit our devices and I thought I would just do a little summary of what it is and how it’s working for me at the minute.
This is written with the huge disclaimer that, as ever, your mileage may vary. Not everyone wants to sign up to a new Zuckerberg-led thing and nor should they. We are all adults here, so do your own research first and if you do want to join or to find out more then please grab a seat and a coffee and let’s chat Threads.
Speaking of coffee…
If Instagram is your picture-perfect, glossy shop window think of Threads as your coffee break. Picture yourself leaning up against the counter, coffee mug in hand chatting to your customers or to your co-workers. If water coolers still exist (do they?) this is very much in the spirit of a water cooler moment.
For the time being at least it is refreshingly simple and uncluttered. Mercifully, for us Reel-avoidant types there is no audio so it’s blessedly silent. There are no hashtags so it’s visually uncluttered. And there are no adverts, promoted posts or suggested trending topics.
Now, obviously all of those things I’ve just mentioned have their place and Meta have already said that they will be adding more features shortly, but to be honest I’m finding the stripped back nature of the platform really enjoyable.
I’m finding people organically through their comments on people I follow and it’s easy to hop back over to instagram to check them out. Pro-tip if you see someone,s Instagram profile and there’s a long number in their bio, that’s their Threads joining number. You can tap that and their Threads ‘about page’ will instantly pop up (as long as you have the app installed).
In a very noisy online world, Threads offers a quieter, calmer alternative and it’s something that people seem to have really resonated with. Over 100 million users in the first week and climbing steadily. Yes it’s a bit random and a bit chaotic, but my goodness it’s refreshing. Interestingly I’ve noticed that people I’ve followed for ages on Instagram but never see (thanks algorithmn) are suddenly popping up again. It’s a bit like a high school reunion, only with people you like.
I’m finding lots of new Instagram accounts to follow and it works the other way too. I’ve definitely seen a surge in follower numbers in the past week as we all chat and check each other out.
Will it last? Who knows. Social media platforms by their very nature will change and innovate, but for now at least Threads is offering something different and fun. It won’t replace my Instagram any time soon but I’m definitely finding it to be a more positive and less toxic place than Twitter - and long may it continue.
What do you think - have you checked it out yet? Do let me know in the comments if you have, or say hi on Threads. I’ve always got a pot of coffee on the go.
