Threads Introduces 24-Hour “Ghost Posts” That Disappear Automatically

Meta has rolled out a new feature in Threads — temporary posts that vanish 24 hours after publication. The feature, called “ghost posts,” mirrors Instagram and Facebook Stories, allowing users to share more spontaneous and short-lived content.

According to Meta, the update is designed to increase engagement and encourage users to express themselves more freely without worrying about permanence. Early data suggests that more than 65% of Threads users engage with short-term content (stories, reels, or temporary posts) at least once a day — showing a growing demand for fast, informal communication formats.

Any replies to “ghost posts” are sent privately, keeping interactions invisible to others. This allows users to share unfiltered thoughts, personal reflections, or casual updates while maintaining privacy.

To create a “ghost post,” users simply tap the ghost icon when composing a new thread. In the feed, these posts appear as gray dotted chat bubbles, distinguishing them from regular content.

Threads, launched in 2023 as Meta’s answer to Elon Musk’s X, has grown rapidly — reaching 400 million active users by August 2025. The introduction of disappearing posts adds another layer of flexibility to the app, positioning Threads as a hybrid between Twitter’s public format and Instagram’s ephemeral storytelling.

Recently, Meta also introduced group chats in Threads, allowing up to 50 members per chat. In the coming months, users will be able to join via direct links — further expanding community features within the platform.