Threads Adds ‘Ghost Posts’ That Disappear After 24 Hours
Meta’s X (formerly Twitter) competitor, Threads, is shaking up social media again. The platform just introduced a new feature called “ghost posts” that disappear after 24 hours, giving its 400 million monthly users a more private, ephemeral way to share updates.
The feature, rolling out globally on Monday, lets users post temporary content that vanishes automatically — adding a more casual, in-the-moment vibe to the Threads experience.
How Threads’ Ghost Posts Work
Creating a ghost post on Threads is simple. On the mobile app, users can tap the “ghost” icon on the compose screen before posting. Once shared, the post appears in timelines surrounded by a dotted conversation bubble, distinguishing it from regular posts.
Ghost posts can still be replied to — but with a twist. Replies don’t appear publicly on the timeline. Instead, they go straight to the poster’s direct messages (DMs), creating a semi-private layer of interaction that blends public posting with private chatting.
A More Personal, Low-Pressure Way to Share
The move towards temporary posts shows Threads’ focus on authenticity and privacy. Similar to Instagram Stories and Snapchat Snaps, the ghost posts feature encourages users to post without overthinking likes or engagement.
Each post’s reactions are represented by small smiley icons, showing that others have liked or replied — but only the poster can see the actual numbers and who interacted. This subtle privacy element keeps the focus on sharing, not performance metrics.
Where Disappearing Posts Go After 24 Hours
After 24 hours, ghost posts vanish from public timelines but remain accessible to the original poster. Users can find them in an “Archived” section within Threads’ main settings. From there, they can review past ghost posts or even re-share them if they choose.
This balance between temporary visibility and personal archiving lets users express themselves freely while keeping control of their past content.
Why Threads Is Betting Big on Ephemeral Content
With this update, Meta is clearly positioning Threads as a platform for more authentic, low-stakes conversations. As users tire of the high-pressure, always-on nature of other social networks, features like ghost posts could help Threads stand out — and retain engagement long-term.
As social media evolves, Threads’ ghost posts that disappear after 24 hours might just redefine how users connect — prioritizing privacy, impermanence, and genuine interaction.
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