Threads adds reply approvals and new feed filters to give users more control
This brings another layer of control over interactions for users.
Threads has been on a steady streak of updates lately, moving fast to make its platform feel more personal and less chaotic. In the past few months, Meta’s X rival has introduced features like Communities for group conversations and “ghost posts” that disappear after a while.
Now, the company is giving users even more control, not just over what they post, but how others engage with those posts. The latest update brings something called 'reply approvals' and new Activity feed filters that fine-tune how you manage replies and see interactions on the app.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
The idea behind reply approvals is pretty simple. Instead of letting every reply show up under your post immediately, Threads now lets you review responses before anyone else can see them. Think of it like a moderation buffer. When someone replies to your post, it won’t go public until you approve it. This means you can keep the conversation open to everyone without worrying about trolls, spam, or off-topic comments derailing the discussion. It’s a subtle way of encouraging open dialogue while keeping the tone civil, something most social platforms still struggle to balance.
Before this, Threads only allowed users to limit replies to followers, people you follow, or those mentioned in your post, similar to what X offers. But, the new feature allows users to have another layer of control. You can now keep your posts public while filtering out the noise, which might appeal to creators, brands, and anyone who wants to engage widely without losing control of the narrative.
Of course, there’s a chance this could stir up debates around censorship or selective engagement, and approving every single comment could get tiring for some users, but since the feature is optional, most people will likely turn it on only when needed.
Alongside this, Threads is rolling out new Activity feed filters to help users sort through the growing flood of interactions. You’ll now be able to view replies only from people you follow or from posts that mention you; in other words, you can narrow your feed to just the conversations that matter most. A handy addition for keeping track of relevant conversations without getting overwhelmed.
These join existing filters like Verified, Quotes, and Reposts, creating a more organised way to manage engagement, especially as Threads’ user base continues to expand.
Speaking of growth, Meta recently announced that Threads now boasts around 150 million daily active users, a jump from 100 million at the end of last year. That’s huge for an app barely over two years old.
With these new updates, Threads seems to be maturing quickly, not just as a competitor to X but as a platform trying to redefine what healthy, open social interaction looks like in 2025.
Louis Eriakha
