Threads is testing posts that vanish after 24 hours
Threads is currently experimenting with ephemeral posts, the social media platform told TechCrunch. The company initially tested this feature as an internal prototype earlier this month, but has now expanded its trial to include a select group of users. These temporary posts are designed to vanish after a 24-hour period, offering a fresh and informal way for users to interact on the platform.
User experience with ephemeral posts
App reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi recently shared an ephemeral post, revealing that the remaining time before a post's deletion can be viewed by tapping on the reply button. Threads also displays a banner above these posts, indicating that both the thread and all responses will vanish once the timer expires. Interestingly, quoted replies also seem to have a similar countdown timer as the original post.
A potential tool for creators
Ephemeral posts could potentially serve as a useful tool for creators who occasionally wish to share content that deviates from their usual brand or topic. They might also prove beneficial for those commenting on live events, which may lose relevance once the event concludes. This feature aligns with a trend set by social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, which also offer similar disappearing post options.
Threads's unique position with ephemeral posts
If Threads decides to roll out ephemeral posts on a larger scale, it could become one of the few social networks among its competitors, including X, Bluesky, and Mastodon, to offer such a feature. This move could potentially give Threads a unique edge in the social media landscape. However, it's worth noting that in the pre-Elon Musk era, X introduced a similar format for disappearing posts called Fleets in 2020 but discontinued it due to low usage.
