Threads is currently trialing a new feature designed for more private sharing among a select group of followers. This initiative, dubbed “Threads Friends,” is being tested in countries such as Ireland, Italy, and Japan. Essentially, it functions as a private sharing option, allowing users to share content with up to 50 chosen friends without making it visible to the rest of the users on the platform.
This concept bears a close resemblance to a feature introduced by Twitter in 2022 called “Circles,” which also enabled users to share posts with a restricted group of up to 150 individuals. However, Twitter discontinued this feature roughly a year later.
Meta is streamlining the process of curating this friends list. The app will proactively suggest followers whom users frequently interact with, although users will have the flexibility to modify this list. Once a friends list is established, users can click on a green bubble at the top of their feed to access posts shared by their friends within the last 24 hours.
Although detailed visuals of the new feature have not been disclosed, Laura Javier, the product design director for Threads, did provide a sneak peek at how a friends-only post would appear. She also revealed a playful twist that shortens “Threads Friends” to “Thriends.”
At this moment, it remains uncertain if or when Meta will roll out this feature beyond the initial test areas, meaning that many users in the United States won’t have access for the time being. However, users acquainted with individuals in the testing regions will be able to view friends-only posts if they are included in their lists.
