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👻 Meta Introduces Ghost Posts on Threads: Posts That Vanish After a Day

Meta has rolled out a brand-new feature on its social media platform Threads called “Ghost Posts”, giving users the ability to share temporary posts that automatically disappear after 24 hours. The feature works much like Instagram Stories or WhatsApp Status, allowing users to post freely without worrying about long-term visibility.

According to Meta, the aim is to offer users a more relaxed and expressive space where they can share spontaneous updates or thoughts that don’t stay permanently on their profiles. Threads, which already focuses on authentic, conversation-driven experiences, is now taking that approach a step further with Ghost Posts.

🧩 What Are Ghost Posts and How Do They Work?

When users create a new post on Threads, they can tap on the Ghost icon to enable the feature. Once activated, a grey dotted bubble appears around the post, indicating it’s in Ghost Mode. After publishing, the post remains visible to followers for 24 hours, after which it automatically disappears from public view.

However, the content isn’t completely deleted — it moves to the user’s archive section within the Threads app. This means users can revisit their Ghost Posts later, re-share them, or use them for future reference.

The interface is designed to make the process intuitive, helping users post content that feels casual, personal, and spontaneous — without the pressure of permanence.

🔒 Private Likes and Replies for Better Privacy

One of the most thoughtful elements of Ghost Posts is privacy. Likes, comments, and replies on these posts are visible only to the original poster. No one else can see who engaged with the post.

Replies appear as direct messages (DMs) in the user’s inbox. If someone replies who the user doesn’t follow, the message goes into Message Requests for review. Meta says this system helps people share openly and safely without fear of judgment or unwanted public attention.

By keeping engagement private, Threads hopes to encourage more authentic interactions and reduce the anxiety often associated with public social media engagement.

💡 A Boon for Creators and Brands

While Ghost Posts are great for casual users, they also offer exciting opportunities for content creators and brands.

Creators can use this feature for:

• Event promotions or time-sensitive updates

• Polls and feedback sessions

• Limited-time announcements

• Testing new ideas before making them public

For businesses, Ghost Posts can serve as a real-time engagement tool, ideal for flash sales, short-term campaigns, or interactive promotions. The temporary nature of these posts adds a sense of urgency and authenticity, making audiences more likely to interact.

🌍 Meta’s Broader Vision and Threads’ Growing Popularity

Meta stated that Ghost Posts align with its broader vision to make Threads a space centered on authentic communication and cultural relevance.

With over 400 million monthly active users, Threads has quickly emerged as one of Meta’s fastest-growing platforms. By integrating features like Ghost Posts, the company aims to distinguish Threads from competitors like X (formerly Twitter) by offering a simpler, more human social experience.

Meta also confirmed that users will be able to access and manage their Ghost Posts later via Settings → Archive, keeping full control over what they choose to preserve or delete permanently.

🧭 The Takeaway

The launch of Ghost Posts marks a new phase for Threads — blending the ephemeral charm of Instagram Stories with the real-time conversations of social platforms. It offers a middle ground between staying connected and maintaining privacy.

By allowing users to express freely without permanence, Meta is redefining digital interaction — making social media feel more spontaneous, secure, and true to real life.