So, you jumped on the bandwagon and created a Threads account. Welcome to the party. Now you've got this little numbered badge on your Instagram profile, and you're probably wondering what the hell it is and how to get rid of it.
Since the app is fresh out of the box, we're all just fumbling around trying to figure it out. Let's break down the Threads Instagram integration, what that badge really means, and how to hide it.
But be warned, it's not as simple as toggling it on and off.
That little number isn't just random; it's your digital bragging right. Or, as some might call it, a fleeting vanity metric.
The Threads badge meaning is simply your place in the sign-up line. If your badge says "@200,000," it means you were the 200,000th person to join the platform. Tapping on it takes people directly to your Threads profile. It's a neat little shortcut.
Instagram says the temporary Threads badge might disappear on its own eventually, leaving just the logo. So, don't get too attached to your "early adopter" status.
If you've decided you're too cool for this digital participation trophy, here's how to hide it.
Simply tap on the badge right there on your Instagram profile. A menu will pop up. Select "Hide Badge," and then confirm your choice by tapping "Remove Badge."
Poof. It's gone.
Here’s the kick in the logic you need to hear: Hiding your Threads badge is a one-way street.
Once you hide it, it's gone for good. You cannot get it back. Instagram is very clear about this, stating, "You can’t add it back to your profile once you remove it."
So before you rush to hide your Instagram Threads badge, take a second. Are you sure you want to erase this tiny, temporary piece of your digital history? The choice is yours, but unlike most things on the internet, this one's final.
So, you had a moment of minimalist rage and hid your Threads badge from your Instagram profile. Now you've got a case of instant regret and want it back.
Let's get straight to the point: You can't unhide the Threads badge.
Once you banish it, it's gone. Instagram, in its infinite wisdom, has decided this action is permanent. The app explicitly states that you can't add it back to your profile once you remove it. There's no secret button, no backdoor trick. You made your choice.
Therefore, it is crucial for users to be absolutely certain about their decision to hide the badge before proceeding.
Meta's Threads app is intricately connected to Instagram, woven directly into its very fabric. In fact, you can't even create a Threads account without an Instagram one. This deep Threads Instagram integration is why that little badge shows up on your profile in the first place—it's a direct link between your two worlds.
While Threads shows a lot of promise as a Twitter competitor, it's still a work in progress. The platform is famously missing key features like a fully functional desktop site, a chronological feed of who you follow, and even GIFs.
The good news? The Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, has confirmed that many of these features are on the way. The app is evolving, which makes the permanence of hiding a temporary Threads badge all the more ironic.
For now, if you have one of the multiple Threads accounts people are creating, think twice before you hide that badge. You might miss your little digital participation trophy more than you think.
While the Threads Instagram integration makes it easy to jump from Instagram to an account's Threads profile, it works the other way, too.
You can navigate back to a person's Instagram directly from their Threads profile. Just visit their profile in the Threads app and tap the Instagram icon in the top-right corner.
And for those of you hoping this was some secret backdoor to view private Instagram accounts? Sorry to disappoint.
Plot twist: 'Private' still means 'private.'
If someone's Instagram profile is locked, you'll still need to be following them to see their content. The internet isn't that broken yet.
While these strategies are proven to work, every account is unique. Get a personalized audit that analyzes your specific account data and provides tailored recommendations for growth and monetization.