Threads Gems: posts shared over from Instagram aren't eligible

Threads has started testing a feature that picks posts that drove conversation each day and gives them a Gem label. The criterion is conversation, not follower count. That favors accounts that write directly on Threads and puts accounts that share posts over from Instagram at a disadvantage.

Can accounts in Korea get Threads Gems?

Not yet. Right now, only posts from people in the US can get Gems. There's one more requirement, too: you must be 18 or older and have a public profile.

That said, the Gem label can show up in feeds in Korea too. Even if you can't get one yourself, you can get a peek at which posts Threads considers good.

Which posts get Gems?

The official criterion is conversation, not follower count. Eligible posts are ones you wrote yourself that add a new perspective and keep replies going. Because follower count doesn't factor in, posts from small accounts can be picked too.

It's not limited to posts you publish. Replies you leave on other people's posts are candidates too. Citing the company's description, Social Media Today reported that Threads automatically picks original posts and replies that add value and spark discussion.

Which posts are excluded from Gems?

Reposts, replies to replies, and posts you share to Threads while publishing them on Instagram can't be candidates at all. A repost is when you share someone else's post again from your account, and a reply to a reply is a reply left on another reply. A reply you leave directly on someone's post can be a candidate, but a reply to that reply is excluded.

The Threads Help Center names Instagram directly as an example. If you've been running your account by sharing Instagram posts to Threads at the same time, those posts were never Gem candidates to begin with.

How can you tell which kind of account you have?

Looking at just your last 10 Threads posts gives you a good idea. Count how many of them came over from Instagram and how many got replies going.

If many came over from Instagram, you have few posts that could become Gem candidates. If many were written directly on Threads and got replies going, your account is close to the official criterion. Counting shows whether your account writes directly or shares posts over.

Does being excluded from Gems reduce your reach?

No. According to the Threads Help Center, being excluded doesn't affect your profile or how many people see your posts. However, it hasn't been confirmed yet whether posts that get Gems are paid.

It also remains to be seen how long this test will last. X (formerly Twitter) once highlighted popular posts too, then stopped after just a month.

Key takeaways

• Gems are based on conversation, not follower count, so even small accounts can become candidates with posts they write themselves.
• Posts shared from Instagram to Threads, reposts, and replies to replies can't become Gem candidates.
• Among your last 10 Threads posts, count the ones that came over from Instagram and the ones that got replies going to see which kind of account you have.
• Being excluded doesn't affect your profile or reach, and whether Gems come with payment hasn't been confirmed.