Since launching in 2023, Threads has evolved at lightning speed. What started as a minimalist text-based app has grown into a feature-packed platform with over 400 million monthly active users.

From trending topics to advanced insights, Threads keeps rolling out updates—which is exciting… but also a lot to keep up with.

Here’s a streamlined breakdown of the most powerful Threads features right now—plus how to use them strategically to grow your audience.

1. Topics (Not Traditional Hashtags)

Threads launched without classic hashtags—and that was intentional.

Instead of relying solely on hashtag sorting, Threads centers discovery around topics. These act as interest signals that help the algorithm connect your content with the right audience.

Unlike surface-level hashtags, topics work alongside enhanced search and recommendation systems to surface relevant conversations and communities.

Why it matters:
Posts that include a topic often receive more views than those without.

How to use Topics:

In the composer, tap Add a topic next to your username
Or type a hashtag before a phrase (it converts into a topic).
Choose relevant and trending Topics for discoverability

2. Trending Topics

One of the fastest ways to grow? Join conversations while they’re hot.

Threads now highlights trending topics at:

threads.com/search
The Search tab (in supported regions)

These update quickly—so speed matters.

Why it works:

You tap into existing interest
The algorithm prioritizes active discussions
You reach beyond your followers

Pro tip: Add your perspective quickly—thoughtful, funny, or contrarian posts tend to perform best.

3. Improved Insights

Threads significantly upgraded analytics, making it easier to understand what’s actually working.

Inside Insights, you can now see:

Engagement breakdown (likes, replies, reposts, quotes)
Follower growth over time
Geographic and demographic data
7–90 day performance comparisons
Traffic sources (Threads vs recommendations from Instagram/Facebook)
Link click tracking (up to five links in bio)
Weekly performance recap

How to use this well:
Look for patterns—which topics, formats, or posting times consistently drive replies or reposts?

4. Simple Polls

Threads added polls early—and kept them intentionally simple.

Automatically close after 24 hours
Designed for quick engagement
Great for conversation starters

How to add a poll:

Tap the compose icon
Click the three dots
Select Poll
Add your question and up to 4 options (25 characters each)

Use polls to:

Spark engagement
Validate ideas
Crowdsource opinions
Warm up your audience before launches

5. Edit Posts (Within 15 Minutes)

Unlike some platforms, Threads lets you edit posts—but only within a 15-minute window.

What you can edit:

Text
Topics

What you can’t edit:

Images or videos

Edited posts are marked for transparency.

How to edit:

Tap the three dots on your post
Select Edit (if within 15 minutes)
Save changes

Use this to fix typos fast—but avoid over-editing.

6. Following Feed vs. For You

Threads offers two feeds:

For You (algorithm-driven recommendations)
Following (only accounts you follow)

To switch:

Tap “Following” at the top of the app
On desktop, toggle between feeds

If you want to build stronger relationships, spend time in the following feed engaging intentionally.

7. The Fediverse

Threads isn’t just building another closed social app—it’s gradually connecting to the fediverse, a network of decentralized social platforms that can interact with each other.

In simple terms:

Users on different platforms can potentially follow and engage across networks.
You can choose whether your posts stay on Threads or are shared externally.

Why this matters:

Broader reach beyond one platform
Future-proofing your audience
Less reliance on a single algorithm

8. Threads Ads

Threads ads are now rolling out globally.

They:

Appear natively in-feed
Support image, video, and carousel formats
Plug into Meta’s ad system

If you already run ads through Meta, you can:

Extend campaigns to Threads
Use existing targeting tools
Add Threads via Advantage+

Early-stage ad platforms often offer lower competition—making this a good time to test awareness campaigns.

9. New Controls & Safety Tools

Threads gives you more control over both your feed and your conversations.

Customize Your Feed

The algorithm learns from:

Profiles you follow
Accounts you mute or block
Content you hide
Keywords you filter

According to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, Threads’ Hidden Words feature is expanding to allow separate filtering from Instagram.

Manage Replies

You can:

Approve replies before they go public
Filter replies from only people you follow
Filter replies that include mentions

This is powerful for creators managing large audiences.

10. Threads Communities

Communities create focused spaces around shared interests—rather than everything living in one large feed.

Think:

Niche conversations
Dedicated fandoms
Interest-based discussions

Community Champions

Threads is highlighting active contributors who drive conversation.

Post with Flair

Within some communities, you can add “”flair”—labels that show context (e.g., “Author” in a book community). Flair only appears inside that specific community.

This helps establish credibility and context without cluttering your global profile.

11. Ghost Posts

Ghost posts disappear after 24 hours.

What makes them unique:

Temporary visibility
Replies go to your inbox (not public)
Visually distinct in feed

To post one:

Toggle the ghost icon in the composer

Great for:

Testing ideas
Casual thoughts
Behind-the-scenes content
Low-pressure engagement

12. Group Chats

Threads now supports private group chats.

Features include:

Up to 50 participants
Custom group names
Admin controls
Invite links (in some versions)

How to create one:

Tap the Messages icon
Create new message
Select Create group chat
Add participants

Useful for:

Campaign coordination
Creator collaborations
Community leaders
Event planning

13. Saved Quotes

You can now save quote posts for later reference.

Instead of scrolling endlessly, you can bookmark:

Insightful commentary
Conversations worth revisiting
Inspiration for future posts

This is especially useful for:

Community managers
Researchers
Content creators building threads off conversations

How to Actually Grow on Threads

Having features is one thing. Using them strategically is another.

Here’s what works:

Use Topics consistently
Jump on Trending Topics early
Study Insights weekly
Mix evergreen posts with reactive posts
Engage heavily in replies
Experiment with polls and ghost posts
Test ads while competition is low

Threads is still evolving—which means early adopters who understand the tools tend to benefit the most.

If you stay consistent, pay attention to performance data, and lean into community conversations, Threads can become one of the strongest organic growth channels available right now.