Instagram is allegedly working on a replacement for Twitter
Twitter shit, and it looks like this Instagram comes for its users.
Lia Haberman first reported in her ICYMI Substack(opens in a new tab) that Instagram is building a social media platform akin to a merger of the two social media giants. In the screenshot shared by Haberman, the app was called “Instagram’s new text-based app for conversations,” but she said it was internally called P92, Project 92, or Barcelona.
Interestingly, unlike Meta’s Facebook or Instagram, the app will be decentralized.
Substack Notes is now available to everyone
“Soon our app will be compatible with certain other apps like Mastodon,” the Instagram slide reads. “Users of these other apps can search, follow, and interact with your profile and content when you’re public, or when you’re private, and approve them as followers.”
The tweet may have been deleted
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Haberman reported that Meta has been in secret talks with select developers about a new app that will be compatible with Meta’s own apps and other apps like Mastodon.
The app, which is rumored to be released as early as the end of June, uses your Instagram username and password to log in. There will be a feed for the people you follow and a recommended feed, like TikTok’s infamous FYP.
The text updates can be up to 500 characters—longer than the 280-character limit set by non-Twitter Blue users, but shorter than the 4,000-character limit of subscribers or even the length of an Instagram signature. Allegedly, users can attach links, photos and videos up to five minutes in length, as well as like and reply to other people’s posts.
It is attached to Instagram so you can sync your existing followers on Instagram and any words or people you have blocked on Instagram will be carried over. Instagram will also enforce its community guidelines for the new app.
This happens months later Instagram has launched Notes, which brought plain text to the platform but was not a replacement for tweets. Notes appear next to your profile picture on the DM inbox screen and are only up to 60 characters and emojis — but even less than previewed. Notes are only displayed for 24 hours.
Meta didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from Mashable, and all of this, if as it’s been reported, is still in the baby phase – Nothing to see here yet. But the company said Platformer in March(opens in a new tab): “We are exploring a standalone decentralized social network for sharing text updates. We believe there is an opportunity for a separate space where creators and public figures can share timely updates about their interests.”
