What to know
- Threads has confirmed it’s testing a new feature for posts that disappear after 24 hours.
- Tech researcher Alessandro Paluzzi uncovered and demonstrated the feature in a disappearing Threads post of his own.
- A timer appears when creating an ephemeral post, counting down its lifespan.
Threads is shaking things up with a fresh feature that’s sure to catch users’ attention. Soon, you’ll be able to share fleeting thoughts that vanish into the digital ether after just 24 hours.
This exciting development was brought to light by Alessandro Paluzzi, a tech enthusiast known for his knack for uncovering hidden app features. Paluzzi not only discovered the function but also managed to create and publish an ephemeral post, giving us a sneak peek at what’s to come.
While the post disappeared within 24 hours, TechCrunch managed to grab a screenshot.
Alessandro had also posted about it in June, when it was first made clear that Threads is working on temporary, disappearing posts.
When users craft these temporary posts, a small timer appears, ticking away the seconds until the post disappears. It’s a visual reminder of the post’s limited lifespan, adding an element of urgency to the sharing experience.
At the top you’ll see the message telling you that “This thread and all replies will disappear when the timer ends.”
The news has been confirmed by Threads itself, with the company acknowledging to TechCrunch that the feature is indeed in the testing phase. This move aligns Threads more closely with other social media giants that have embraced disappearing content, though none of Threads competitors have taken to it.
By introducing posts with a built-in expiration date, Threads is catering to users who prefer sharing in-the-moment thoughts without leaving a permanent digital footprint. It’s a nod to the spontaneity and immediacy that many social media users crave.
While the exact launch date for this feature remains under wraps, its development signals Threads’ commitment to innovation and user engagement. As the platform grows, it’s clear that it’s not afraid to experiment with new ways to keep its audience connected and expressing themselves.
