Instagram, the popular social media platform, is reportedly gearing up to launch a text-based app that will directly compete with Twitter.
Instagram plans to launch text-based Twitter alternative
According to insiders familiar with the matter, Instagram is currently testing the concept with renowned celebrities and influencers. While discussions with select creators have been ongoing for months, none of them have had access to the complete version of the app, as revealed by one source.
The new app, which will be separate from Instagram but allow users to connect their accounts, is expected to make its debut as early as June. Lia Haberman, a social and influencer marketing expert at UCLA, recently shared a screenshot of an early app description, further supporting this development. The screenshot suggests that the app might eventually be compatible with other Twitter competitor apps, including Mastodon.
When approached for comment, Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Instagram, did not immediately respond. However, the recent tumultuous events surrounding Twitter, including Elon Musk’s controversial involvement, have prompted some users to seek alternative platforms. This situation has created an opportunity in the market for competitors to enter the scene.
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Haberman noted that Meta has a history of incorporating features from other apps and third-party tools that they anticipate will resonate with their user base.
Musk’s vision of transforming Twitter into an “everything app,” offering more than just informational posts, has sparked Meta’s interest. Given Meta’s track record of adopting features from other platforms, it is likely that they will be the first to consolidate these experiences.
Reports from Mumbai-based news site Moneycontrol.com in March 2023 indicated that Meta was exploring plans for a text-based app, internally known by the code name P92, while others have referred to it as Barcelona.
Following the news, Meta shares initially traded lower but eventually turned positive, reaching their highest level since early 2022. They closed the day with a slight decline of 0.5% at $245.64, although they have experienced significant growth, more than doubling in value this year.
As Instagram prepares to introduce its text-based app, the competition in the social media landscape is likely to intensify, providing users with more options and platforms to express themselves.
