Meta has officially rolled out a new feature that allows users to cross-post content from Instagram and Facebook to Threads. This global rollout is available in all countries where Threads is accessible, marking a significant step in Meta’s strategy to integrate its family of apps more closely. The move aims to leverage content across platforms and potentially boost Threads’ user base, which recently surpassed 200 million active users.

Cross-posting from Instagram to Threads

The process of cross-posting from Instagram to Threads is straightforward:

  1. Create a new post on Instagram as you normally would.
  2. Before publishing, look for the Threads sharing button.
  3. Toggle this button on to enable cross-posting to Threads.
    instagram-share-to-threads-toggle
  4. Your Instagram caption will become the text for your Threads post.
  5. Any hashtags in your Instagram post will be converted to plain text on Threads.

It’s important to note that this feature is opt-in, meaning you have to actively choose to use it. You can either enable it for a single post or set up automatic sharing to always cross-post to Threads. To set up automatic sharing, follow these steps:

  1. When you tap the toggle to enable cross-posting in the steps above, you will see an option to “Share this post,” which is a one-time deal, but you’ll also see an option that says “Always share posts.”
    instagram-share-threads-preferences
  2. If you tap on “Always share posts,” all your posts on Instagram going forward will be cross-posted to Threads.
  3. However, you can also swipe to the bottom of the page where you add captions to your post and tap “More options.”
  4.  Under the “Advanced sharing” section, enable the “Threads” toggle.
    instagram-automatic-sharing-to-threads

It’s worth noting that there are some limitations to the feature. Currently, there’s no option to cross-post Instagram Reels to Threads. Also, while hashtags will appear on Threads, they’ll be converted to plain text, potentially affecting their functionality on the platform. Anyway, recent rumors out there suggest that hashtags no longer play a big role in boosting engagement.

Cross-posting from Facebook to Threads

Facebook users can also take advantage of cross-posting to Threads:

  1. Start creating a new post on Facebook.
  2. Look for the Threads option at the top of your post, near other sharing options like “Only Me” or “Add an Album.”
  3. You’ll see the Threads logo with an “On” or “Off” toggle. Tap on that button.
    facebook-sharing-to-threads-toggle
  4. In the “Crosspost to Threads” page, enable the toggle besides your Threads profile details.
    enable-sharing-to-threads-on-facebook

This feature is currently limited to text and link posts. Videos cannot be cross-posted from Facebook to Threads at this time. Like the Instagram feature, it’s available on both Android and iOS in all countries where Threads is accessible.

Benefits and considerations of cross-posting

Cross-posting can be a valuable tool for content creators, social media managers, and business owners. It allows you to reach multiple audiences simultaneously without the need to create separate content for each platform. This can save significant time and effort in managing your social media presence.

However, it’s crucial to consider whether cross-posting is appropriate for every piece of content. Some posts may not translate well across platforms due to differences in format or audience expectations. For example, an Instagram post heavy with hashtags might look out of place on Threads, where hashtags are displayed as plain text and don’t function the same way.

By thoughtfully using the cross-posting feature, you can efficiently expand your reach while maintaining the quality and relevance of your content across Meta’s platforms. If you found this article useful, please feel free to drop a like by tapping the heart icon on the page.

Dwayne Cubbins
398 Posts

For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.

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