New features added to Threads include post scheduling and ‘markup’

Meta continues its efforts to attract creators to Instagram and Facebook through cash bonuses, but it’s also enhancing Instagram Threads to provide more professional tools for creators, brands, and businesses. On Thursday, Instagram head Adam Mosseri unveiled several updates for Threads, including post scheduling capabilities and expanded metrics within the Insights dashboard.
In a post on Threads, Mosseri revealed that users can now schedule their posts directly within the app and access detailed analytics for individual posts through Insights. These metrics enable Threads users to monitor trends such as views, follower counts, geographic demographics, interactions, and more over a specified period. The scheduling feature, designed for convenience, is accessible via the three-dot menu on the post composer. Users simply tap “Schedule,” select their desired date and time, and confirm. Scheduled posts are saved in the drafts folder, where they can be edited or deleted before being published.
Additionally, Threads has introduced a new functionality allowing users to add their own creative touch when resharing a post. While Mosseri didn’t provide specific details or examples, tech enthusiast Chris Messina had previously noted that Threads is planning to introduce a squiggle icon among the options for adding photos, GIFs, hashtags, and voice content. This icon leads to tools like a highlighter or arrow, enabling users to annotate directly on a Thread post. The feature was also demonstrated last week by Lindsey Gamble, who shared how it works.
This addition stands out as a somewhat unconventional feature, given that users typically share screenshots of articles or content with highlights or annotations from external sources. Still, it provides Threads users with a unique tool not found on competing platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky, or Mastodon. The decision to include this feature may be aimed at giving Threads a competitive edge by offering something distinct.
Sarah, who has been a reporter at TechCrunch since August 2011, covered the announcement. Before joining TechCrunch, she worked at ReadWriteWeb for over three years and held various roles in I.T. across industries such as banking, retail, and software.