Hajra Naz
Meta’s Threads app is testing a brand-new feature that could reshape how people share content online. The update, confirmed by Meta, introduces an option for users to attach long-form text blocks to their posts. Instead of creating endless chains of shorter posts, users can now share in-depth thoughts, creative writing, book excerpts, or news snippets in a single, scrollable format.
How the New Threads Feature Works
The feature was first spotted by app researcher Radu Oncescu on iOS. According to Meta’s description, the tool allows creators to style and attach longer text directly within a post. Unlike the current workaround—sharing screenshots of notes or splitting thoughts across multiple posts—this feature makes long-form publishing seamless and native to Threads.
A Threads user, Robert P. Nickson, shared an example of how the feature looks in action. A preview of the text appears inside a gray box within the post. Readers can tap it to expand and scroll through the full article-like content.
Why Long-Form Matters for Creators
This move is especially significant for the creator economy. Long-form text could help Threads attract and retain writers, journalists, and thought leaders who currently rely on platforms like Substack, Medium, or newsletters to share deeper insights. By keeping these creators inside the Threads ecosystem, Meta is positioning the platform as not just a microblogging tool but a hybrid between social media and publishing platforms.
Read More: Meta’s Threads Reaches 400 Million Users, Rivals X’s Reach
Threads vs. X (Formerly Twitter)
Threads’ biggest rival, X (formerly Twitter), already offers long-form posts through its Articles feature. However, that option is currently limited to premium subscribers. Threads’ long-form text tool, at least for now, is free for all users—a clear competitive advantage.
That said, X’s Articles allow integration of images and videos, while Threads currently supports only text. Since the feature is still in testing, Meta could expand it to support multimedia, AI-powered formatting, or advanced styling tools in the future.
Meta’s Push for Growth
The launch of long-form text is part of Threads’ broader strategy to evolve beyond simple posts and replies. Over the past year, Threads has added:
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Direct Messages (DMs)
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Fediverse integration
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Custom feeds and trending topics
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AI-driven enhancements for discovery and moderation
The timing is no accident. Threads recently surpassed 400 million monthly active users just two years after launch. While still behind X’s 600M+ users (according to former CEO Linda Yaccarino), Meta clearly sees long-form publishing as a way to close the gap.
What’s Next?
Meta has confirmed it will expand the rollout of long-form text to more users soon. If successful, this feature could transform Threads into a serious competitor to X, Substack, Medium, and even LinkedIn, as users increasingly seek platforms that combine engagement with depth.
Read More: Threads Gears Up for GIFs, Group Chats, and a Bigger Push Into DMs
FAQs About Threads’ Long-Form Text Feature
1. What is Threads’ new long-form text feature?
It allows users to attach extended blocks of text to a post, making it easier to share longer thoughts, articles, or excerpts without breaking them into multiple posts.
2. How is it different from X (Twitter) articles?
Threads’ version is free for all users, while X restricts articles to premium subscribers. However, Threads currently supports only text, not multimedia.
3. Can creators use long-form text for blogs or newsletters?
Yes. Many see this as a Substack or Medium alternative, as it enables creators to publish deeper content directly on Threads.
4. Is the feature available to everyone right now?
Not yet. Meta is still testing it with select users, but a wider rollout is expected in the coming months.
5. Will Threads add images and videos to long-form posts?
Currently, the feature is text-only. However, since it’s in testing, Meta could expand it to support multimedia in future updates.
