Instagram Threads 'Use Media' Feature: Reshare Photos & Videos

Threads Introduces New Media Resharing Functionality

Threads is implementing a novel method for users to reshare photos and videos within its platform. Rather than utilizing the traditional quote-posting approach with accompanying commentary, users will now have the ability to directly reshare visual content.

Simplified Resharing Process

This new functionality is accessed via a “Use media” option. Selecting this allows users to share a photo or video as a standalone post, to which they can then add their own original text. The original content creator will still receive full credit for their work.

The announcement was made by Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, on Wednesday through a Threads post. He highlighted the feature as a streamlined and efficient way to contribute creative perspectives to currently popular images.

Further clarification from the official Threads account indicated that attribution to the original poster will be displayed in the upper-left corner of the reshared image.

Accessing the "Use Media" Option

Users can access the “Use media” option by either long-pressing on any media published on Threads or by tapping the repost icon. This will reveal the new option within the pop-up window, positioned between “Repost” and “Quote.”

Image Credits:Threads screenshot

The rollout of this feature is currently in progress, according to Mosseri. He stated that it is being deployed to the entire Threads user base. While not framed as a test, user feedback is actively encouraged.

Creator Concerns and Control

The introduction hasn’t been universally welcomed. Some creators have expressed concerns, questioning whether they can disable this resharing functionality. Their reasoning centers on the potential for others to benefit from their work without equivalent effort.

Threads addressed these concerns, confirming that users can disable media reuse within the app’s settings. Additionally, quote-post controls allow users to manage who can reuse the media they share.

This article has been updated to include further details regarding the feature’s settings and controls.