Since its founding, Meta's Threads has attempted to leverage the network effects of other social networks Facebook and Instagram by experimenting with cross-posting and highlighting Threads posts on carousels. The company is currently testing a new feature that lets you share Instagram Reels directly to threads.
App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi discovered that Threads is working on a new option for the compose box that will allow you to select Reels from your account and post them to Threads. The company confirmed to TechCrunch that it is indeed testing the feature.
Paluzzi said that when you tap the Instagram button in the create thread box, you'll see a grid displaying your Instagram posts and Reels. You can then choose which reels you want to publish in your thread.
Many users already post Instagram posts and Reels to threads to gain followers and increase engagement with their content. This new button could make this easier.
Earlier this year, Meta began testing the ability to automatically cross-post to threads from Instagram. The company tested a similar feature on Facebook earlier this year.
Last year, in an effort to expand the reach of Threads posts and bring more people to the modern social network, Meta started displaying a carousel of Threads posts on Facebook and Instagram. Some people didn't like their posts being suggested to users on Instagram or Facebook, so Meta quietly rolled out an option to opt out of the recommendation program.