Threads is currently exploring the concept of ephemeral posts that automatically disappear after 24 hours, a feature that could enhance the way we share content on social networks. Initially, the platform revealed it was only an internal prototype, but recent developments shared with TechCrunch indicate that this feature is now being tested with select users.
Although specific details remain under wraps, a Threads spokesperson highlighted that this represents a novel and relaxed approach to social interaction on the platform. The scope of the test, including its geographical limitations and eligibility criteria for participants, remains undisclosed.
In a notable revelation, app reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi showcased how these ephemeral posts work. Tapping the reply button reveals the countdown until the post’s deletion. Furthermore, Threads has implemented a visual cue atop the post, signaling that both the original thread and all replies will be purged upon reaching the timer’s end. This feature appears to extend to quoted replies, which also bear their own countdown.
Back in June, Paluzzi hinted at the development of this feature, displaying a screenshot that introduced a “24-hour” button beside the post function, aimed at initiating these transient discussions. Additionally, Christ Messina unearthed evidence of these temporal posts within the iOS app’s code, remarking on their non-compatibility with fediverse servers, due to the inability to remove content from these independent platforms. Threads’s initiative to integrate with the fediverse began in June, promoting broader post sharing capabilities.
This new functionality could provide valuable to creators looking to share content that deviates from their usual theme or discuss immediate events that lose relevance post-occurrence. It’s an exploration of fleeting digital content, reminiscent of Twitter’s erstwhile Fleets, which were phased out due to minimal engagement.
Should Threads expand access to ephemeral posts, it could position itself uniquely among competitors such as X, Bluesky, and Mastodon, offering a distinctive take on short-lived content in the social media landscape.