The Threads updates keep coming, with the app now rolling out a new way to share media, which also credits the creator.
As you can see in this example, the new process will enable you to share an image or video from another users’ post, with the shared media then including the creators’ username at the top left, as well as a separate re-share count for that media specifically.
Users will be able to action this process by long pressing on the media element, or by tapping the repost icon. From there, you’ll be able to select “use media” to create your own post using that visual content.
Creators will also have the option to turn this off in their settings, if they don’t want to allow such.
As mentioned in the explanation above (shared by app researcher Ahmed Ghanem), the new restriction will only apply to future posts, meaning it won’t affect previously uploaded content. This feature offers an easy way for users to re-share content while still crediting the original creator, rather than just copying and pasting it to their own account.
However, some users will likely continue to share content without credit, hoping to gain all the credit and grow their own metrics (though note that the metrics for shared images are reflected on the original post, so creators still get credit for the performance). While it’s impossible to stop users from taking content without proper attribution, this new feature provides a way for people to share while respecting the original creator, rather than just stealing their work.
It could also set a new standard for sharing content. If someone takes another person’s content without using this sharing method, other users may call them out, encouraging them to use the proper sharing feature instead. This could help foster a better culture around content sharing and make this process even more integral to the app.
The downside, however, is that tapping on the shared media doesn’t link back to the original creator’s post or account. This could be a negative for publishers, especially if they share something like an image with an article headline that doesn’t link back to the original post. Artists, too, would prefer to see more traffic directed to their content through this process, rather than just receiving a watermarked credit. Still, it’s better than nothing, and could be the first step toward more advanced sharing features.
Ultimately, while some users will always take others’ material without permission, and this doesn’t stop content theft from other platforms, it’s a positive step forward. It has the potential to set new norms within the Threads ecosystem.