Threads is experimenting with ephemeral posts that disappear within 24 hours, catering to users who frequently delete posts or share short-lived content. Initially, this feature was an internal prototype, but it is now being tested with a limited user base. Although the company hasn't provided a detailed statement, a spokesperson described it as a casual way to share on Threads. Specifics about regional availability or user activation were not disclosed.
Key Details
- Testing Phase: Threads is currently testing ephemeral posts with a limited number of users.
- Functionality: Posts disappear after 24 hours, with a visible timer and a banner indicating the remaining time.
- User Experience: Quoted replies also have a timer and will disappear along with the original post.
- Reverse Engineering: Alessandro Paluzzi and technologist Chris Messina found evidence of this feature in the app's code.
- Fediverse Limitation: Disappearing posts won't be shared with the fediverse due to deletion constraints on ActivityPub-powered servers.
- Potential Uses: Useful for creators sharing off-brand content or live event commentary that becomes irrelevant afterward.
- Comparison: Twitter's similar feature, Fleets, was launched in 2020 but discontinued in 2021 due to low usage.
If widely adopted, Threads could be unique among its competitors like X, Bluesky, and Mastodon in offering ephemeral posts.
