Threads introduces ‘ghost posts’ that vanish after 24 hours: 5 key things to know

1. Posts that vanish in 24 hours
Threads has rolled out a new feature called ghost posts. These posts automatically disappear from your feed after 24 hours and get archived. The idea is to let users share short-lived, spontaneous updates — kind of like Instagram Stories, but in text form.

2. Designed for unfiltered expression
Meta says ghost posts are meant to make sharing feel easier and less pressured. Since the posts vanish after a day, you can be more authentic and open without worrying about something staying online forever. It’s perfect for quick thoughts or casual updates.

3. Likes and replies stay private
When you post a ghost post, only you can see the likes it receives. And if someone replies, their response goes straight to your direct messages — not on your public timeline. It’s a subtle way of keeping things personal and low-stakes.

A boost for Threads’ inbox
The new reply-to-DM setup also ties into Threads’ recently launched standalone inbox feature. By moving ghost post replies to private messages, Meta is encouraging more one-on-one interactions — something Threads has been trying to grow lately.

5. How to create a ghost post
To publish a ghost post, tap the little ghost icon in the composer window. Once it’s live, it’ll show up on your timeline as a faint, dotted speech bubble — a clever design cue that helps you spot it easily among regular posts.