Threads now has a Hidden Words setting that’s separate from Instagram

Threads and Instagram are continuing to decouple. Meta’s social network has updated its Hidden Words setting to make it separate from Instagram. Prior to this update, users had one global Hidden Words setting that impacted both platforms.

For the uninitiated, the Hidden Words setting lets users filter out stuff they don’t want to see. The setting can be applied to posts, feeds, searches, profiles and replies. The tool can filter out words, phrases and emojis.

Threads also offers the ability to snooze words and phrases for a period of 30 days. This is really useful for avoiding spoilers or just when you get tired of a certain discussion topic. Today’s update even brings in the ability to filter out words and phrases in batches. Threads head Adam Mosseri says all of this was done so users could “shape the experience into one where they feel comfortable expressing themselves.”

When Threads launched in 2023, it was basically an extension of Instagram. The two platforms have slowly been embracing independence the last couple of years. Threads has begun testing its own DM inbox that’s not tied to Instagram and now lets people deactivate one account without impacting the other.