Threads is testing a feature for sharing more casual, unfiltered posts.

Meta has introduced "ghost posts" on Threads, which function similarly to Instagram Stories but appear on the Threads feed. Users can create a ghost post by tapping a new icon, and the content will disappear after 24 hours, according to Meta.

The goal is to allow users to share spontaneous thoughts without the content permanently residing on their profile. A key difference is that replies to a ghost post are sent directly to the user's inbox, and only the author can see who liked or replied.

This mirrors a concept popularized by Snapchat and later Instagram. Meta is aiming to replicate the success of the "Stories" format on its text-based platform, potentially making Threads a space for more fleeting thoughts, similar to what Twitter (now X) once offered.

However, Threads is already fairly casual, and the direct message replies are a notable aspect of this new feature. Instead of fostering public conversation, it emphasizes sharing thoughts and receiving private feedback, which puts it in competition with Instagram Stories. It seems Meta is experimenting with features to differentiate Threads from X and Instagram.

The appeal of Threads lies in its simplicity as a public space for text-based conversations. Ghost posts shift the conversation from a public forum to private messages.

Users may prefer using Instagram Stories for ephemeral updates with private replies, making this addition to Threads potentially redundant. This feature might blur the lines between the apps and may not address a specific user need.

It appears Meta may be trying to make Threads more like Instagram, instead of allowing it to develop its own identity. While the author intends to try the feature, they are unsure if it is something that Threads users were requesting.