Instagram Threads adds ‘Use Media’ feature to reshare photos and videos

Threads introduces a new way to re-share photos and videos on the social network. Instead of quoting the original post and then adding a comment, Threads users will instead be able to click a new “Use Media” option, which will allow them to share a photo or video directly into a new post where they can add their own text. . However, the image or video will still be credited to the original poster.

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri announced this feature on Wednesday Post in Threads. He noted that the new option will be “a quick and easy way to add your creative touches to trending photos.”

A post The Threads account also revealed that attribution to the original poster will appear in the top left of the image.

You can long press on any media posted in Threads or click the repost button to access the ‘Use Media’ option. It will then appear as a new option in the popup below “Repost” and “Quote”.

If you don’t see the feature yet, you should soon; Mosseri says it’s already spreading to the Threads user base. He doesn’t describe the feature as something the company is testing, but says user feedback has been positive.

Not everyone responded positively to the input, but some creators responded to Mossery’s post asking if they could turn the setting off. These users noted that not all creators want their images re-shared in this way, especially since it can allow others to drive traffic and attention to their work without any effort.

TechCrunch has asked Instagram for more information on how media will be linked, watermarked and tracked, and will update this post when we hear back.