Threads Tests Ghost Posts That Auto-Delete in 24 Hours

Threads is testing a new post format called Ghost Posts, according to recent reports. However, current development indicates the feature works as a private note-taking tool that allows authors to jot down content only they can see, rather than public posts that disappear after 24 hours.

The feature represents Meta's ongoing effort to provide creators with more flexible posting options on the platform.

How Ghost Posts work on Threads

Based on current testing, Ghost Posts function as private notes visible only to the original author. Users can create these posts to draft content or save thoughts for later use without making them public.

This approach differs from traditional ephemeral content like Instagram Stories, focusing instead on private content creation and organization. The feature appears designed to help users manage their thoughts and drafts within the Threads ecosystem.

Threads has been actively developing various features throughout 2024 and 2025, including post counters for linked posts, enhanced DM controls, and community features that launched in the U.S. market.

Why private posting tools matter for creators

Fear of backlash is one of the top reasons small-business owners and independent creators avoid posting hot takes or nuanced opinions. Public replies often spiral into exhausting debates, and the permanence of social media means a single post can resurface months or years later out of context.

Private posting tools like Ghost Posts could lower the stakes by allowing creators to develop ideas privately before deciding whether to share them publicly. This approach gives brands and creators space to refine messaging around sensitive topics without immediate public exposure.

The format also offers creators a way to organize thoughts and content ideas within the platform, potentially streamlining their content creation process.

Early test, no launch timeline yet

Threads has not announced a broader rollout or confirmed whether Ghost Posts will graduate from the experiment phase. The platform frequently tests features with small user cohorts before deciding to ship, pause, or abandon them.

As Threads continues competing with X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms, private content tools could differentiate its offering by focusing on creator workflow and content development rather than just public engagement.

For now, brands and marketers should monitor the test and consider how private drafting tools might fit into content planning processes if the feature becomes standard. Better content organization tools can help teams develop more thoughtful social media strategies.