As if we all needed another social media platform to manage Threads, Mark Zuckerberg’s highly anticipated competitor app to Twitter, has finally arrived. Here’s what law firms and legal professionals need to know about it.

Like Twitter, Threads is designed to facilitate real-time, public conversations between individuals.

To join, simply sign up using your existing Instagram account, and your Instagram handle will become your Threads username. Note – you are required to have an Instagram account in order to use Threads. This is a good time to look at your Instagram username and make sure it is as clean and concise as it can be – I would just make it your first and last name or company name.

Users can import their Instagram follow list directly into Threads, allowing you to seamlessly continue following your favorite accounts.

Instagram’s verified users will retain their verification status on this new app.

You have the option to set your Threads account to either private or public, ensuring you have control over your privacy settings.

Threads bears a striking resemblance to Twitter.

Users can post mostly text-based messages to a scrolling feed, where people who follow them and whom they follow can reply. People can also post photos, memes or videos to the app. You can’t direct message someone yet.

Here’s my takeaway from this new platform. Set up your Threads account so nobody else sets it up in your name. Do it for your law firm or your company and yourself. It takes less than two minutes because it imports your photo and bio and links already from Instagram.

If you don’t have an Instagram account you’ll need to set that up first.

I have two Instagram accounts – one is private for my friends and family and the other one is public for my professional community. I set up two Threads accounts and will maintain two of them.

Threads posts can be up to 500 characters long, and can include links, photos and videos up to 5 minutes in length.

Because Threads is backed by Meta’s deep pockets, it’s likely to be around for a long time, so it’s good to know how to use these new technologies. You don’t necessarily have to be an early adopter of them, but knowing how they work is to your benefit.

Are you going to get new clients from Threads as a law firm? Probably not, but it is a good visibility and listening tool.

Here are some ideas on law firms and legal professionals can use Threads: 

• Share timely and relevant content related to your core practice areas. This can include legal news, updates on legislation, analysis of court cases, or tips and advice for individuals or businesses facing legal challenges.

• Thought Leadership: Demonstrate your firm’s expertise and thought leadership by sharing insights, opinions and analysis on legal topics. Offer unique perspectives, contribute to ongoing discussions and provide valuable commentary on current legal issues.

• Engage with other legal professionals, organizations and influencers on Threads. Repost and comment on their content, participate in relevant conversations and offer your expertise when appropriate. This fosters networking opportunities, increases visibility and helps establish relationships with peers.

• Actively engage with your followers and respond to their comments, questions and mentions. Encourage conversations, offer brief insights and provide general guidance where applicable.

What do you think of Threads?