1. What’s Rolling Out?
As of August 28–29, 2025, Threads is rolling out a new text attachment feature currently in testing—for now on iOS devices. The feature lets users attach a block of longer text to a single post, instead of splitting over several or resorting to ugly workarounds like screenshots of Notes apps. A preview of the text appears in a grey box within a post that users can tap to expand and scroll.
Threads character posts were limited to approximately 500 characters—adequate for snappy content but limiting for deeper ideas. This feature allows users to share articles, book excerpts, news snippets, or commentary outright.
Form‑and‑content wise, basic formatting—like paragraphs, headings, or emphasis—is supported, giving some creative control over presentation.
2. Why It Matters For Users & Creators
a) A More Versatile Platform
The text attachment feature helps creators and thinkers stay within Threads for longer-form expression, eliminating the need to publish elsewhere just to dig deeper. It helps writers share stories, analyses, or book excerpts more naturally on the app.
b) Cleaner User Experience
Users no longer need to share screenshots or wind up in tangled post threads. The grey-box expand format is clean, intuitive, and reader-friendly.
c) Competitive Edge Over X
X’s long-form “Articles” feature is restricted to premium users. Threads’ text attachment, at least initially, is available to all users for free—giving it a major edge in accessibility.
3. How It Compares with X’s Articles
| Feature | Threads (Text Attachment) | X (Articles) |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Free to all users (testing phase) | Premium-only |
| Media Support | Text only for now | Images, videos, embeds supported |
| Formatting Tools | Basic formatting supported | Rich, multimedia integrations |
Threads is starting with text-only capability. X supports richer media but at the cost of gating the feature behind a subscription. Meta could expand Threads’ functionality in future updates.
4. Broader Strategy & Context
a) Strengthening Creator Ecosystem
The long-form tool aligns Threads with platforms like Substack, Medium, and LinkedIn, giving creators another place to publish. It leverages Instagram’s network effect and supports deeper engagement.
b) Feature Expansion for Engagement
Meta is steadily building up Threads with richer tools—like direct messaging, Fediverse integration, and now long-form text. These aim to transform it from a simple Twitter‑like clone into a versatile social publishing platform.
c) Catering to Content Quality Over Brevity
Long-form content indicates user demand for substance, not just snappy blurbs. This may increase time spent on the platform and invite deeper discussions.
5. What’s Next for the Feature
Right now, this feature is in early testing with select iOS users, and no full rollout date is confirmed. Meta has only acknowledged that testing is underway.
Future enhancements might include:
- Media embeds—adding images or video like X’s Articles
- Advanced formatting—headings, lists, font styles
- Creator tools—analytics, discoverability, or even monetization analogues
- Cross-platform interoperability, building on Threads’ Fediverse connectivity
6. What to Expect When It Arrives
- Writers and creators will find this format ideal for mini-articles, thoughtful commentary, or stand-alone content.
- Readers benefit from a smoother experience—unlocking more in-depth content with a tap.
- Meta gains a competitive advantage by integrating publishing tools for broader audiences.
- Potential Risks: Without discoverability or monetization, long-form posts could underperform unless paired with tools to surface them.
