Threads launches 'hidden words' feature to customize feed

Threads, which is growing in numbers, is expanding on its features too.

The app, flagged as a rival of X (Twitter) since it launched, has announced an elevated "hidden words" feature. Previously, the feature allowed people to filter out "unwanted content" from replies on Threads. But now, users can filter out words, phrases, and even emoji from their feeds.

These will then be automatically muted across Threads – from both "following" and "for you" feeds, in addition to search results, replies to posts, and profiles.

Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri announced the update on Threads, writing, "I hope these features give you more control over your experience on Threads and help keep it a place for positive conversation."

Mosseri also teased forthcoming updates to the app, which is currently being tested: controlling who can quote reply to posts on Threads, and the ability to mute notifications on posts.

These guardrails are important for any wide-reaching social networking app. Threads has already struggled with a hate-speech problem, including allegedly rampant transphobic, Islamophobic and anti-abortion posts on the app. The Meta-owned app has launched its own fact-checkers to combat issues like misinformation, and it seems like their latest updates are also an effort to give Threads users a more positive experience.

Threads has generally been playing around with how people view content on the platform, with a recently-launched trending topics feature, for instance. Still, chronological search results – a highly-request update – won't be coming to the app anytime soon.