Meta Tests Threads Friends for Private Post Sharing
Meta is currently experimenting with a private sharing feature on Threads called 'Threads Friends,' allowing users to share posts with smaller groups of selected followers.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Introduction to Threads Friends
Meta is currently experimenting with a new way for users to privately share posts with smaller groups of followers on its social platform. According to a recent report by [Karissa Bell](https://www.engadget.com/author/karissa-bell/), the company announced that it is testing a feature called "Threads Friends" in Ireland, Italy, and Japan.
The new capability functions similarly to a "close friends" list designed specifically for the platform. It gives individuals the option to restrict their post visibility to a maximum of 50 friends, who are also playfully referred to by the app as "Thriends," ensuring that the content remains hidden from the rest of the public platform.
Comparisons to Previous Industry Features
For many observers in the [Social Media](https://www.engadget.com/category/social-media/) space, the concept bears a strong resemblance to a past feature introduced by Twitter back [in 2022](https://www.engadget.com/twitter-circles-test-183333627.html) known as "Circles."
While Twitter's version allowed users to limit their posts to a larger group of up to 150 people, that company ultimately decided to discontinue Circles [a year later](https://www.engadget.com/x-is-disabling-circles-on-october-31-064510783.html).
List Customization and User Experience
To help users get started, Meta is assisting in the creation of their initial friends list. A Meta spokesperson shared that the app will automatically suggest followers with whom the user frequently engages, though the roster remains fully customizable according to individual preferences.
Once a friend list has been properly established, participants are able to access a dedicated interface. Users can tap a green bubble located at the top of their feed to browse through friends' posts that have been shared within the last 24 hours.
Previews and Easter Eggs
Although the company has not yet released detailed images of the complete user interface, Laura Javier, product design director for Threads, provided a brief preview showcasing what a friends-only post will look like in practice.
In addition to the preview, Javier also highlighted a fun Easter egg built into the application. The feature includes a toggle that will dynamically change the formal label "Threads Friends" to simply "Thriends" for those interacting with the setting.
Rollout Plans and Availability
At this time, it remains unclear if or when Meta plans to expand the initial testing phase to a broader global audience. Consequently, most users located in regions such as the United States will not have direct access to the feature for now.
However, platform mechanics mean that if an individual happens to know someone residing in one of the designated test countries, they will still be able to view those friends-only posts provided they are successfully added to that user's custom list.
Sources
- EngadgetMeta is testing 'Threads Friends' for sharing posts with smaller groups
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