Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is currently testing a new feature that could potentially strengthen the interactions between its services. The microblogging service, Threads, is exploring the possibility of integrating cross-posting with Instagram to compete with X (formerly Twitter). This feature will allow users to post images to Instagram and simultaneously upload them to Threads.
Some Instagram users have already noticed a new option in their account settings that enables cross-posting to Threads via a toggle in the menu. However, at this time it is only available to a select group of users for testing. The cross-posting feature will initially be launched globally for a limited number of users and then gradually expanded to everyone over time.
When an image is posted from Instagram to Threads, the caption will automatically be used as the post’s text, but hashtags with the pound symbol are not supported on Threads and will be removed. At this time, only image sharing is supported, with Instagram Reels not yet being supported. Videos will need to be manually uploaded to Threads even if cross-posting is enabled on Instagram.
In addition to testing cross-posting, Threads is also experimenting with other new features such as automatically archiving old posts and introducing real-time search results for some users. They have also launched a tool that allows users to save drafts, take photos directly from the app, and share content and stories on Facebook. This tool leverages functionality similar to the existing cross-posting tool for Facebook.
Overall, Meta is working on enhancing the user experience and increasing interaction between its services through these new features and capabilities.
