Threads, Meta’s rival to the social media platform X, announced a notable update to its platform by introducing an independent Hidden Words feature. Previously, Threads users who employed Hidden Words filters had them automatically synchronized with their Instagram accounts. Now, the new setting allows users to maintain separate lists, enabling them to personalize content preferences on Threads independently from Instagram.
Hidden Words in Threads lets users block posts containing specific words, phrases, or emojis that they prefer not to appear in their feeds, search results, profile comments, or replies. Additionally, the latest update introduces a time-limiting option, allowing users to temporarily filter content for up to 30 days instead of permanently. This feature effectively serves as a ‘snooze’ function, beneficial for scenarios when a user wants to avoid spoilers for a TV series or topic temporarily but intends to re-engage with the content later.
Threads’ latest move comes two weeks after it began testing a dedicated direct message inbox separated from Instagram’s messaging interface. This, alongside the new Hidden Words update, suggests Meta is working steadily towards positioning Threads as a more distinct and standalone application rather than merely an extension of Instagram.
Since its inception, Threads has introduced frequent updates and new capabilities as part of its strategic competition with X. Recent notable additions include integration with the wider fediverse, allowing users to view and search for posts and profiles across decentralized social platforms within Threads itself.
Furthermore, Threads is currently experimenting with spoiler-text capabilities and recently allowed creators to embed multiple links in their profiles as well as track user engagement with those links. These iterative enhancements underline Meta’s ongoing efforts to expand Threads’ feature set, moving progressively towards equipping the platform with a distinctly competitive functionality.
