Threads Experiments with ‘Ghost Posts’ for Temporary Sharing

When Threads first launched, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri often discussed the idea of auto-deleting or auto-archiving posts. He questioned whether it made sense for users’ posts to stay visible forever.
At the time, many users opposed automatic deletion. They wanted control over their own content. Eventually, Threads introduced auto-archive as an optional feature. This allowed users to hide old posts after a chosen time period.

Why Temporary Posts Are Back in Focus

Now, Threads is revisiting the idea in a new way. The app is testing a feature called “Ghost Posts.” According to app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, this new tool will let users share temporary posts that disappear after a certain time, similar to how Snapchat works.
The feature raises an interesting question. Is it better to keep your posts online for years, or let them fade away after a while? Some users believe their old posts no longer represent who they are today. Therefore, auto-archiving or ghost posting could give them more control over their digital footprint.
However, nothing online is truly gone. Screenshots and archives still exist. Still, for many, Ghost Posts might offer a sense of freedom and privacy while keeping their feeds fresh and relevant.