Meta Introduces ‘Ghost Posts’ Feature on Threads That Disappear After 24 Hours

Meta has launched a new feature on its social media platform, Threads, allowing users to create “ghost posts” that automatically vanish after 24 hours. This addition is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance user engagement and expand functionality on Threads, which has already seen the introduction of long-form posts that allow for up to 10,000 characters in a single entry.

The ghost posts feature enables users to share thoughts or engage in conversations without the permanence associated with traditional posts. Users can activate this feature by selecting a new “ghost” icon in the app’s compose screen. Once published, these disappearing posts will be marked with a dotted bubble, indicating to others that they will not remain on the profile for long.

In a notable twist, replies to ghost posts are directed to the user’s direct messages (DMs), ensuring that these interactions remain private and do not clutter the public timeline. While other users cannot view the number of likes or replies on ghost posts, they can see smiley-face icons indicating that interactions have taken place. This unique approach fosters a more intimate environment for sharing spontaneous thoughts.

For those concerned about losing their content, Threads provides an “archived” section within the app’s settings menu. Users can revisit their ghost posts, akin to the functionality of Instagram Stories, which also features temporary content that disappears after a set period.

According to Meta, the introduction of ghost posts aims to encourage users to “share unfiltered thoughts and fresh takes without the pressure of permanence or polish.” This aligns with the broader trend of social media platforms offering ephemeral content, catering to users’ desire for a more casual and less curated online presence.

As Threads continues to evolve, the addition of ghost posts highlights Meta’s commitment to fostering open dialogue and experimentation among its users. This feature, along with previous updates, indicates a strategic push to retain user interest and engagement in an increasingly competitive social media landscape.