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Meta Developing a Microblogging Platform to Rival Twitter

Twitter’s future remains uncertain, and now Meta is reportedly developing a new microblogging platform. This app is expected to launch in the summer of 2023, according to an email shared with select creators and viewed by TechCrunch. The text-based platform will stand alone, but it will be partially integrated within Instagram. Users will keep their Instagram verification and handle, and all of their followers will receive a notification to follow them on the new platform.

Decentralized and Interoperable

The Meta app will be decentralized, and interoperable with Mastodon, which is built on the ActivityPub protocol. As per Meta, they aim at bringing high-profile public figures such as athletes, actors, producers, showrunners, and comedians on board first, for early access. In its note to creators, Meta admitted that Mastodon, Bluesky, and other apps had a head start in the race to build the next Twitter. However, the company pointed out that it has access to billions of users through its family of apps such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger, giving it an added advantage.

Based on a (somewhat blurry) example I got, Meta’s new app looks a lot like Twitter.

So, could this take over all the Twitter screenshots we’ve been seeing on the Feed lately? Maybe.

It’s impossible to predict how audiences will respond, but this could be an alternative. pic.twitter.com/xgQa1kUjCl

— Lia Haberman (@liahaberman) May 19, 2023

The Codenamed P92 or Barcelona App

The decentralized social network app under development is codenamed P92 or Barcelona. While Meta has been quiet about these developments, the company did state to Money Control that they are exploring a standalone decentralized social network for sharing text updates because they believe there’s an opportunity for a separate space where creators and public figures can share timely updates about their interests.

Features and Integration

According to ICYMI author Lia Haberman, the app will use the same community guidelines as Instagram. Similarly, users will be able to log-in with their Instagram credentials, blocks and hidden words from Instagram will carry over, and some safety features will be embedded at the get-go, like two-factor authentication and spam reporting. Text posts will be up to 500 characters, and users can also upload photos, links, and videos up to five minutes long. Like Twitter and other competitor apps, there will be a feed where you can like, reply or repost content.

🔥 NEW DETAILS: Meta’s NEW text-based app to rival Twitter launching summer 2023

While it will exist as its own separate app, it will be integrated with Instagram.

Users will keep their same Instagram handle, verification will roll over, and their Instagram followers will…

— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) May 12, 2023

Meta’s Decline in Popularity

Meta declined TechCrunch’s request for further comment, but didn’t dispute the accuracy of the leaked information. Although new Twitter alternatives are on the rise, after migrating to several platforms, some users might be fatigued by the prospect of setting up yet another new account. Like any company, when Meta releases new apps and experiences, they don’t always take off. The company has sunsetted several products in the past few years, including the anonymous teen app Tbh, Cameo-like app Super, Nextdoor clone Neighborhoods, couples app Tuned, student-focused social network Campus, and video dating service Sparked, among others.

FAQs

What is the new Meta app?

The new Meta app is a decentralized text-based platform that is expected to launch in summer 2023. The app is partially integrated within Instagram, and its interoperable with Mastodon.

Who will have early access?

Meta aims to onboard high-profile public figures such as athletes, actors, producers, showrunners, and comedians to get early access.

What features will the app have?

According to ICYMI author Lia Haberman, the app will use the same community guidelines as Instagram, and users will be able to log in using their Instagram credentials. Text posts will be up to 500 characters, and users can also upload photos, links, and videos up to five minutes long. Like Twitter and other competitor apps, there will be a feed where you can like, reply or repost content.

What will happen to my Instagram verification and handle?

Users will keep their Instagram verification and handle, and all of their followers will receive a notification inviting them to follow them on the new platform.

What safety features will be integrated at launch?

Meta will embed two-factor authentication and spam reporting as some safety features from the get-go, and blocks and hidden words from Instagram will carry over.

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Instagram set to release Twitter-like feature this summer