Last Updated on: 25th June 2023, 11:10 pm
This is What Instagram’s Rival Will Look Like On Twitter
Thanks to a report by Lia Haberman in her ICYMI newsletter (in case you missed it) Substack, we now take a look at Instagram’s supposed text competitor to Twitter. Haberman shared what appeared to be a leaked marketing slide, along with specific details about the upcoming app.
The slide does not include a separate name for the app; Instead, he refers to it as “Instagram’s new text app for conversations.” However, Haberman reveals that the app is called P92 internally or alternatively Barcelona.
Users have the option to log in with their existing Instagram username and password. In particular, key elements such as followers, handle, bio, and verification are expected to be seamlessly transferred from the main Instagram app to this new text-based app.
Within the app, users have access to a feed where they can create text posts of up to 500 characters in length. These messages can include links, photos, and videos as attachments, providing a rich multimedia experience.
Based on two screenshots seen in the leaked marketing slider, the app’s interface appears to be a mix between Instagram and Twitter. According to the slide, Meta (Instagram’s parent company) intends to implement strict moderation controls from the start.
These controls allow users to choose who can reply to their messages and mention their accounts. It is important to note that all accounts blocked on Instagram will also be transferred to this new application.
One notable aspect of the upcoming Instagram text app is the inclusion of decentralization. According to the Instagram slide, the app will soon be compatible with some apps like Mastodon. This compatibility allows users of those other applications to browse, follow, and interact with your profile and content.
If your account is public they can interact freely, and if it’s private you can approve them as followers. This compatibility will likely be achieved through the use of ActivityPub, a technology that Meta is actively exploring along with other tech companies.
The wide distribution of this app could further strengthen Instagram as a very popular platform. As Twitter continues to face challenges, there is a growing demand for alternative places to share short, tweet-like updates.
Meta has chosen not to comment on this. However, in March he shared a statement with Platformer about his continued efforts:
We explore a decentralized autonomous social network for sharing text updates. We believe there is an opportunity for a separate space where creatives and public figures can be informed of their interests in a timely manner.
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