Instagram Threads is developing new features that bring the user experience more in line with that of X (formerly Twitter) and the social network Bluesky. The Meta-owned company is internally prototyping the ability to set a display name and add a cover image to your profile.
A company spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch on Tuesday that these two features are not currently available to the public. The new addition was first discovered by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi. He often finds unreleased features during development.
Threads is integrated with Instagram, so users cannot change their display name because the social network automatically retrieves it from Instagram. By allowing users to change their thread display names, Meta gives users more control over their identities on the platform.
If someone leaves X on Threads, they may want to use the same username on Threads so their X followers can easily find them in the Meta app. Currently, users don't have a way to do that, and changing your name on Threads requires changing your name on Instagram, which is less than ideal.
This situation illustrates one of the drawbacks of Threads and Instagram links. However, the meta seems ready to allow threads to work a little more independently. This should come as no surprise, especially since the platform has a strong base of over 100 million daily active users and over 300 million monthly active users.
According to a screenshot posted to X by Paluzzi, the user's display name will appear on their profile and posts in the thread. Additionally, users can change their display name twice within 14 days.
As for the ability to add a cover photo to your profile, this feature offers users a new way to personalize their profile on the platform, similar to X and Bluesky. This option allows you to add more personality to your account and grab your audience's attention.
As with other internal prototypes, it's unclear if and when Meta plans to roll out these features.