Threads is Testing a New Feature: Posts for Friends Only

A New Level of Privacy on Threads

Meta’s social network, Threads, is launching a new experiment that allows users to share posts with a close circle of friends rather than the public at large. The feature, currently called "Threads Friends," is in testing and is available only to users in Ireland, Italy, and Japan. This initiative aims to create a more intimate and secure space for communication on the platform.

With this new tool, users can create a list of up to 50 people. The platform playfully refers to this group as "Thriends." Posts shared using this list remain invisible to other users on the platform. This approach marks a significant shift in the current dynamics of Threads, where posts are typically intended for a broad audience.

How the New Feature Works

According to Meta representatives, the system will assist users in forming their initial list. The application will automatically suggest followers with whom you interact most frequently, though you can edit the list and add or remove people at any time. Once the list is ready, users will see a green bubble at the top of their feed, which allows them to view posts shared exclusively with that group. Notably, these posts will remain available on the platform for 24 hours.

While detailed visual materials have not yet been released, product design director Laura Javier has shared an early sketch of the feature. She also noted that an "Easter egg" is built into the app, which changes the name of the feature from "Threads Friends" to "Thriends," highlighting the platform's youthful and informal style.

Parallels to the Past and Future Prospects

This concept is not entirely new to social media users. In 2022, Twitter introduced a similar feature called "Circles," which allowed users to restrict posts to up to 150 people. However, Twitter discontinued the project about a year later. Meta's implementation of this feature suggests the company is attempting to learn from the mistakes of its competitors and offer users more flexible privacy tools.

It is currently unknown when "Threads Friends" will become available globally, including in the U.S. and other countries. However, if you add an acquaintance from one of the test countries to your friends list, you will be able to see the private posts they share. While this update is not yet available for users in Georgia, it clearly demonstrates Meta’s strategy to transform Threads into a more personalized and closed communication space.