Published by the Zolyp team ·
What is a ghost post?
A ghost post is a Threads post that's archived after 24 hours. Meta's help search also calls it a disappearing post. Ghost posts are text-only.
- While it's live, you can find it on your profile from your profile picture
- There's also a feed of only ghost posts: tap Menu in the top left, then Ghost posts
Source: Instagram Help Centre: Share a ghost post on Threads, checked 15 October 2026
How do you share a ghost post?
Meta gives steps for the Android and iPhone apps:
- Tap New post at the bottom.
- Tap and hold Ghost post in the bottom right.
- Write your text.
- Tap Replies go to messages on the left and choose Get replies as messages or See replies on post.
- Tap Post in the bottom right.
Source: Instagram Help Centre: Share a ghost post on Threads, checked 15 October 2026
How do replies work on a ghost post?
- Get replies as messages sends replies to your inbox, and only you can see them
- See replies on post keeps them on the post, like a normal thread
- You can't change this setting after you share the post
- After the post is archived, you can still view its replies
Source: Instagram Help Centre: Share a ghost post on Threads, checked 15 October 2026
What happens after 24 hours?
- The post leaves feed, your profile and previews in chats, and moves to your archive
- You can't unarchive it, but you can delete it
- If you delete it before it disappears, it isn't saved to your archive
- Ghost posts aren't shared to the fediverse, even if you've turned that sharing on
- If you like a ghost post, it won't appear in your likes after it expires
Source: Instagram Help Centre: Share a ghost post on Threads, checked 15 October 2026
When should a business use a ghost post?
Use one for things that stop mattering tomorrow: today's special, a same-day question, a quick update on opening hours. Choose Get replies as messages if you'd like answers in private.
Use a normal post for anything people should find later, such as an offer you'll run all month, or anything that needs a photo, since ghost posts are text-only. A normal post can also be pinned.
Source: Instagram Help Centre: Share a ghost post on Threads, checked 15 October 2026
Why can't you make or find a ghost post?
- You're on a computer. Meta's ghost post steps cover the Android and iPhone apps only
- You can't add a photo. Ghost posts are text-only
- You want to change where replies go. That's fixed once the post is shared
- Fediverse followers didn't see it. Ghost posts are never shared there
- It's gone from your profile. After 24 hours it's archived and can't be brought back
Source: Instagram Help Centre: Share a ghost post on Threads, checked 15 October 2026
For the posts that stay
Disclosure: this is our product. Ghost posts are quick to write by hand. For the posts that stay on your profile, Zolyp plans, writes and designs your Threads posts in your brand's voice and publishes them once you approve each one. There's a 3-day free trial, no card required.
Common questions
How long does a ghost post last on Threads?
24 hours. After that it's archived and no longer shows in feed or on your profile.
Can I add photos to a ghost post?
No. Meta says ghost posts are text-only.
Can I get a ghost post back?
No. You can't unarchive a ghost post, though you can still view its replies or delete it.
Who sees replies to a ghost post?
If you chose Get replies as messages, only you. If you chose See replies on post, they show on the post.
Are ghost posts shared to the fediverse?
No. Meta says ghost posts aren't shared to the fediverse, even if you've turned sharing on.