Threads Experiments with Custom Display Names, Cover Images for Profiles

Threads’ first update of 2025 could be one of its most popular yet, with the Threads team currently developing a new option that would enable you to add a display name to be used within Threads specifically, as opposed to having to replicate your IG handle in the app.

As you can see in this example, posted by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, Threads looks set to add its own “Display Name” option, so that you can choose an alternative name to be shown on your Threads profile and posts.

You’ll be able to change your display name once a week (or more specifically, twice within a 14-day span), and any changes will only be reflected on Threads, in separation from your Instagram username.

The linkage between Thread and IG has been a blessing and a curse, with Meta able to grow the Threads user base in record time due to the streamlined connection between the two apps. It can also cross-promote Threads on Instagram and Facebook, and utilize your established interests and connection graph.

Yet, at the same time, some users have found that Threads recommendations, based on their Instagram activity, aren’t always a relevant indicator of interest in the newer app.

There’s also the username issue, with many Threads users updating their IG handle so that their Threads moniker makes more sense. Many Twitter expats have also changed their name to align with what their previous Twitter handle was, to help others reconnect, but because of the linkage between Threads and IG, this means also updating your Instagram bio as well.

So you lose that name recognition on one of the other, which is obviously not ideal for those with large followings.

Really, Threads is probably at the stage now where it can establish its own interest graph for each user based on their Threads-specific activity either way, lessening the need for IG signals. Threads has, in fact, already started to move in this direction, with Instagram chief Adam Mosseri announcing back in November that Threads no longer uses your IG activity to fuel its “Who to follow” recommendations for new users.

And given that the way in which people use each app is likely very different, it makes sense for Threads to go it alone where it can, even eliminating IG connection entirely at some stage for those who would prefer to keep them separate.

But till then, alternate user handles on Threads is a good step, and it seems like a logical, and simple way for Meta to move towards Threads’ independence.

On a related front, Threads is also experimenting with cover images for Threads profiles:

That’ll provide another way to customize and personalize your Threads presence.

Which, again, feels like a necessary step, and at 300 million active users, and rising, it does seem like Threads is on its way to becoming an important player in the social media space in its own right.

As such, both could be valuable and important updates.