Threads Launches 24-Hour Disappearing ‘Ghost Posts’
▼ Summary
– Threads is launching “ghost posts,” a feature that automatically archives posts after 24 hours for its over 400 million monthly users worldwide.
– Users create ghost posts on mobile by toggling a ghost icon, and these posts appear with a dotted bubble to differentiate them from regular content.
– Replies to ghost posts go directly to the poster’s DMs and don’t appear in timelines, with only the poster able to see the number of likes and replies.
– Meta designed this feature to encourage low-stakes sharing and provide a built-in alternative to X’s third-party tweet deletion services.
– This follows Meta’s rapid iteration on Threads, adding features like custom feeds and DMs, and builds on the success of ephemeral content like Instagram Stories.
Threads, the popular social platform from Meta, is rolling out a new feature called ghost posts, allowing its more than 400 million monthly active users to share content that automatically archives after one day. This update aims to foster spontaneous and informal conversations, giving people a way to express thoughts without the pressure of a permanent digital footprint. Starting Monday, the option is available to Threads users across the globe.
To create a ghost post, users simply tap the new ghost icon on the mobile app’s compose screen. Once published, these posts stand out in timelines with a dotted conversation bubble. While anyone using Threads on desktop or mobile can reply, all responses go straight to the poster’s direct messages rather than appearing publicly. Below each ghost post, smiley face icons show that others have liked or replied, but only the original poster can view the exact count and identities of those who engaged.
After 24 hours, ghost posts vanish from the main feed but remain accessible to the creator through the archived section in settings. It’s important to note that if you’ve disabled message requests, individuals you don’t follow cannot reply to your ghost posts. If message requests are active, replies from non-followers land in your message request folder. These settings can be adjusted via the drop-down menu in the top right corner of your profile.
Meta designed the feature to promote casual, low-pressure sharing within the app. This move also positions Threads as a stronger competitor to X, where users often rely on third-party tools to manage or remove old content. While X previously tested a similar concept called Fleets in 2020, it was discontinued due to low usage. Meta, however, sees lasting appeal in temporary content, pointing to the enduring success of Stories on Instagram and Facebook.
The company anticipates that ghost posts will encourage more candid updates, live threading, and experimental interactions. Since its debut in July 2023, Threads has introduced a steady stream of enhancements, including custom feeds, direct messaging, fediverse integration, text attachments for long-form content, spoiler-hiding tools, and interest-based communities.
(Source: TechCrunch)
