Threads has launched Gems, a new rewards feature that recognizes posts and replies that drive meaningful conversations in the app. Creators whose content earns a Gem will receive a notification and the option to share a special post about it. They can also decline the recognition if they prefer, making it an opt-in way to celebrate standout contributions.
How Threads Selects Gems
Gems are awarded automatically by an algorithm rather than human reviewers, based on three factors. Perspective looks for posts that bring a fresh take and add unique value. Discussion rewards content that sparks genuine back-and-forth dialogue. Originality requires that the post be the creator’s own work, not recycled from elsewhere online or crossposted from another app. Gems apply only to public posts, and for replies, only direct replies to a post qualify, not replies to replies. Winning posts will display a special icon in-stream.
The feature was first spotted in testing in August by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, who shared an image of the notification screen. Gems offer Threads another way to boost in-app engagement. They are similar to X’s recent “Bangers” promotion, which used a special account to highlight the most engaging posts each month. That effort, however, appeared to stop after a single round. Threads’ automated approach may make Gems easier to sustain.
Risks and Availability
Automation carries risks. An algorithm that rewards conversation could surface offensive remarks that spark heated replies, which is hardly what Meta would want to promote. Presumably, some human vetting will be in place, and it will be worth watching which posts actually earn Gems and what that says about the quality of discussion on Threads.
For now, Gems are available only to eligible users in the United States, with no word yet on a wider rollout.