Instagram Threads, a social networking platform owned by Meta, is developing new features to enhance user experience, bringing it more in line with X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky. The company is internally prototyping the ability to set a display name and add a cover image to profiles, according to a spokesperson who confirmed the development to TechCrunch.

The new features were first spotted by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who often uncovers unreleased features while they're still under development. Currently, users aren't able to change their display names on Threads, as the platform automatically pulls them from Instagram. If Meta gives users the ability to modify their Threads display name, it would provide more freedom over their identity on the platform.

The limitation of not being able to change display names is a result of Threads' integration with Instagram. This means that users who want to use the same username on Threads as they do on X, for instance, would have to change their name on Instagram to do so on Threads, which is less than ideal. The proposed feature would allow users to have more control over their online identity and make it easier for followers to find them on Meta's app.

According to screenshots posted by Paluzzi on X, a user's display name would be shown on their Threads profile and posts. Additionally, users would have the option to change their display name twice within 14 days. The ability to add cover photos to profiles would give users a new way to personalize their profiles on the platform, similar to X or Bluesky, and add more character to their account.

The development of these features suggests that Meta may be ready to allow Threads to operate more independently, which would make sense given the platform's growth to over 100 million daily active users and 300 million monthly active users. However, as with any internal prototype, it's unknown if or when Meta plans to roll out these features to the public.

The potential introduction of these features raises questions about the future of Threads and its relationship with Instagram. If Meta decides to roll out these features, it could signal a shift towards greater autonomy for Threads, allowing it to differentiate itself from its parent platform and compete more directly with other social networking platforms.

As the social media landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Meta chooses to develop and position Threads in the market. With its growing user base and increasing feature set, Threads is poised to become a major player in the social media space, and these new features could be a key step in that direction.