Meta Tests 24-Hour Disappearing Posts on Threads

Highlight

• Meta is testing the Ephemeral Posts feature on Threads.
• The feature will allow posts and their replies to disappear after 24 hours.
• Currently, the feature is being tested with a select group of users.
• Meta is also preparing to introduce ads on Threads.

Meta is testing a new feature on Threads that will allow users to post content that disappears after 24 hours.

In an attempt to encourage a more casual way of sharing updates among Threads users, this feature will auto-delete posts and their replies once a timer runs out.

If this sounds familiar to you, it is because we already have seen this feature in various other platforms including Meta’s very own Instagram.

Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi recently demonstrated this ephemeral post format on their handle alex193a on Threads.

When users reply to a post, a visible timer will start a countdown.

This will indicate that the post and all its replies will disappear when the time is up.

Interestingly, quote posts will also disappear, although the app’s banner doesn’t explicitly mention this.

This feature is specifically designed for people who keep deleting posts.

Moreover, the 24-hour posts could be especially useful for creators.

Many creators want to share off-brand or off-topic content and they do not wish to clutter their profiles at the same time.

The feature might also appeal to users who want to comment on live events.

The post and comments will be deleted once the event is over.

Speaking to TechCrunch, a Meta spokesperson described the feature as a “new and casual way to share on Threads.”

Meta also confirmed to TechCrunch that this feature is being tested with a select group of users. However, it’s unclear if the testing is region-specific or how users can access it.

Paluzzi initially discovered the feature of disappearing posts back in June.

He shared a screenshot that showed a 24-hour button next to the Post button, which would publish a disappearing thread.

Earlier this month, Technologist Chris Messina also found hints about this feature in the iOS app’s code.

However, it’s important to note that these temporary posts won’t work on posts shared with the fediverse, such as Mastodon.

Meta would not be able to delete posts from other servers.

We have previously seen this ephemeral post feature in apps such as X, Bluesky, Mastodon, and Instagram.

The feature on paper sounds similar to Twitter’s Fleets. It was a short-lived feature quite similar to Instagram Stories, however, Fleets was discontinued within a year due to low usage.

In addition to the disappearing posts, Paluzzi also claimed that Meta is preparing to introduce ads on Threads.

With over 200 million users base, Threads is admittedly looking for ways to generate revenue.

However, the Instagram spokesperson didn’t confirm the ads feature.

“We’re not testing ads in Threads at this time, and there is no immediate timeline for monetization,” Instagram spokesperson Alec Booker told TechCrunch when asked about the ads feature leak.

FAQs 

Q1. What new feature is Meta testing on Threads?

Answer. Meta is testing a new feature on Threads that will allow users to post content that disappears after 24 hours.

In an attempt to encourage a more casual way of sharing updates among Threads users, this feature will auto-delete posts and their replies once a timer runs out.

Q2. Is the ephemeral post feature live on Threads?

Answer. As per reports, Meta is testing the ephemeral post feature with a select group of users.

Q3. Who leaked the ephemeral post format on Threads?

Answer. Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi initially discovered the feature of disappearing posts back in June.

He shared a screenshot that showed a 24-hour button next to the Post button, which would publish a disappearing thread.

Q4. Why won’t the temporary posts be shared with the fediverse?

Answer.  These temporary posts won’t work on posts shared with the fediverse, such as Mastodon.

Meta would not be able to delete posts from other servers.

Q5. What other major update is Meta preparing to introduce on Threads?

Answer. As per recent rumours, Meta is preparing to introduce ads on Threads.

With over 200 million users base, Threads is admittedly looking for ways to generate revenue.

No official confirmation from Threads or Meta spokesperson yet.

Also Read: Threads Rolls Out Trending Now Feature to Enhance Real-Time Engagement

Also Read: Threads Steps into the Fediverse and Tests New User-Driven Features