Threads Instagram now offers users the ability to opt out of the automatic sharing
Threads In response to user feedback, their posts on other apps, including Instagram and facebook.com. This move comes as a response to dissatisfaction among Threads users who were displeased with being automatically enrolled to have their Threads posts shared externally. Meta’s attempt to boost Threads’ visibility by displaying suggested Threads on other Meta-owned apps faced criticism from users who wanted to keep their Threads audience separate from their friends and family on Facebook and Instagram.
In an effort to address these concerns and improve the user experience, Meta, in late August, began displaying suggested Threads on other Meta-owned apps. However, many Threads users expressed frustration at being automatically opted in for external post sharing. Some even threatened to abandon Threads if their posts reached their family on Facebook, emphasizing the need to maintain a distinction between their Threads audience and their connections on other platforms. Complaints also surfaced regarding the quality of the suggested Threads, with users pointing out their seemingly clickbait nature and lack of context.
Recognizing the importance of user privacy and preferences, Meta has introduced a new privacy option that allows Threads users to turn off automatic sharing. This change reflects Meta’s willingness to listen to user feedback and adapt its features accordingly. Additionally, another option has been added, allowing users to delete their Threads profile independently from their Instagram account.
To opt out of sharing, users can navigate to the two-dash menu at the top right of their profile page on Threads. From there, they can access the “Privacy” section and choose “Suggesting posts on other apps.” Here, users can toggle off Threads sharing to Instagram and Facebook individually.
It’s crucial to note that the sharing feature remains opt-out, rather than opt-in, and was not publicly announced by the Threads team. This decision underscores Meta’s commitment to employing growth hacking strategies to propel the success of the Threads app. During its launch, Threads leveraged its built-in Instagram audience to rapidly onboard millions of users by suggesting connections and automatically following individuals already connected on Instagram. Despite reports suggesting a decline in momentum since its July launch, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that Threads had achieved just under 100 million monthly users three months after its initial release, making it the fastest app to reach 150 million downloads.
