10 Hacks Every Threads User Should Know

I’ve been on Threads since it launched in 2023, and throughout my experience, I’ve learned a few tips for saving time (and sanity) on the platform. If you’re a regular Threads user, you should try these methods to reduce unwanted content from your feed, speed up searches, and customize the app to your liking.

Like most of my social media feeds, my Threads feed is also full of cat videos. When I see one I like, I sometimes download the video to watch later. As you may know, Threads does not support media downloads, which means you will have to rely on third-party tools to download videos from the app. You can try Threads Downloader on Android or the Threads Download shortcut on iPhone. Using the Android app is pretty simple: just copy the Threads link and paste it into the app. On iPhone however, you’ll need to download two other free apps: a-Shell mini and Scriptable to let the shortcut do its job. Once the shortcut is set up, you can hold the share button under any Threads post and select the “Threads Download” shortcut in the share sheet to start the download.

Use Tweetdeck-style multicolumn layout on desktop

Credit: Pranay Parab

I loved Tweetdeck’s multi-column layout for Twitter at the time, which allowed me to keep tabs on different news feeds in a single view. Without additional clicks, I could see my feed, notifications, mentions, DMs, etc. Threads also has a similar multi-column layout on the desktop, if, like me, you prefer that view. Simply log into Threads on desktop and click the three-dot button in the upper right corner of your feed. Select Add as columnthen use the drop-down menu at the top of the feed to switch to a different view such as Activity, For You, Following, Mentions, etc. Once you’ve added a few columns, click the three-dot icon in the upper right corner of any feed, then select Automatic update to let the feed load new posts or activities in real time.

Change your default feed to only see posts from accounts you follow

I don’t like Threads’ default algorithmic feed because it shows posts that don’t interest me much. Luckily, you can easily change the default feed to only show posts from people you follow. To do this, open the Threads app on your phone and tap the two-line button in the upper left corner. Tap the pencil icon, drag Following up and select Do. This will show posts from people you follow every time you open Threads.

Create custom feeds to focus on specific topics

Threads also supports creating your own feeds, in case you want to focus on posts on specific topics or posts from certain people. For example, you can create a feed filled with cat videos or a feed exclusive to marathon training. Once you open Threads, swipe right to view the Feeds page and tap the button + button at the top to create a new feed. Add a name for the feed, choose whether you want it to be visible to the public, then tap Add profiles or topics to start customizing it. You can add keywords (e.g. New York marathon), certain profiles or select topics in discussions, and all of them will appear in this feed. It’s also a way to follow certain people’s posts without following their accounts.

Stop Meta from suggesting your posts on Facebook and Instagram

If your account is public, Threads automatically suggests some of your posts to people on Instagram and Facebook. I think this type of feature is great for brands and influencers, but not so much for people who would rather not share their ramblings on Threads with friends and family on other platforms. You can disable this option by going to a page buried in the app settings. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner of the app, then select the two-line menu in the upper right corner of the profile page. Then go to Privacy > Suggest posts on other apps and turn it off for Instagram and Facebook.

Block certain Threads notifications without turning off all alerts

Sending countless unwanted notifications is normal for any Meta-owned app. I fixed this by turning off all notifications for Threads and most other Meta apps, but I understand that’s not ideal for everyone, especially if you don’t want to miss DMs. You can turn off certain types of unwanted notifications, such as posts “suggested” for you and following suggestions, in Discussions. Go to your profile on Threads, tap the two-line menu button in the upper right corner and select Notifications. Go to From discussions and turn everything off. So head over to Following and subscribers and deactivate account suggestionsAnd A pre-followed user joined the discussions. You can also go to Topics and answers settings page and turn off unwanted notifications like Knowledge, Weekly Insights, Views, First threadAnd Post updates with links.

Allow Fediverse to track Mastodon users in discussions

Credit: Pranay Parab

Threads has Fediverse integration, which means you can let Mastodon users see your posts and follow your account. This isn’t necessary if you have accounts in both apps, but it’s nice for those who are exclusive to Threads and want their Mastodon friends to see their posts. To enable this, go to Chat Settings > Account > Fediverse Sharingthen follow the on-screen prompts.

People on Threads can reuse your photos and videos in their posts, if your account is public. You can disable this by going to Chat Settings > Account > Mediaand deactivation Media reuse. Of course, this won’t stop users from screenshotting your content, but it will create a barrier that could help prevent this reuse.

Use this tip to find discussions faster

The Threads app has a search button (magnifying glass icon) in the upper right corner of the app. When you tap it, you’ll see the search page, with follow suggestions, trending topics, and other content that Meta continues to add. To actually search for items, you need to tap the search bar and type in your query. There is, however, a way to speed up your searches in Threads: just press and hold the search button, and Threads will immediately open the search page with the keyboard open. This way you can reduce the extra tapping to start searching on Threads.

Hide your online status

Threads also reveals whether you are online to people who follow you. If this makes you uncomfortable, you can hide your online status from others. Go to Chat Settings > Privacy > Online Statusand select Person.