Meta's Threads platform has begun testing a new sign-up process allowing select European Union users to create accounts without Instagram credentials. The test enables profile creation using email addresses or phone numbers instead of Instagram logins, according to screenshots shared by app researcher Radu Oncescu and confirmed by Meta.

Image credit: @oncescuradu

As Social Media Today notes, this development is a step toward establishing Threads as a standalone platform rather than an Instagram extension. Users participating in the test can create Threads-specific usernames independent of their Instagram identities.

The move follows earlier changes initiated in late 2024 when Instagram chief Adam Mosseri announced the removal of Instagram graph data from Threads onboarding. While Threads still utilizes Instagram connections for some content recommendations, the platform is progressively reducing this dependency.

The shift aligns with Threads’ progress toward becoming a real-time, text-based communication platform similar to X. The platform currently serves over 350 million users globally.

Expanding Features and Advertising Capabilities

The sign-up test comes amid broader platform enhancements, including recently launched multi-link profile support, which allows users to showcase up to five links in their bios. Meta also introduced enhanced analytics features with week-over-week performance metrics.

In April, Meta expanded Threads advertising globally to all eligible advertisers, providing access to the platform's growing user base. The company maintains measured expectations about immediate revenue impact, with Chief Financial Officer Susan Li indicating Threads is not expected to be a "meaningful driver of 2025 revenue."