Rumors that Meta is working on an alternative to Twitter via Instagram have been circulating for some time. Today, however, several features and a possible launch date were revealed.
The rumor that Meta is working on an Instagram-based alternative to Twitter has been circulating for some time. However, all indications are that the new platform is not only real, but will also be introduced to the public sooner than expected. This is according to an article from Bloombergwhich reveals new details about the social network.
The report states that, although the Twitter rival developed by Meta is based on Instagram, it will operate independently. In other words, it will have a separate application. For now, there is no mention of its name, and the leaked documents only refer to it as “the new text-based app for Instagram conversations”.
Certainly, the Menlo Park firm's marketing and design teams must be working to give it a more friendly and appealing name. But what's really interesting is that Instagram is already testing it with celebrities and influencers. It's even mentioned that testing has been going on in secret for months, with a launch in the middle of this year in mind.
Additionally, Bloomberg reports that the new Twitter alternative could launch as early as June. If that's the case, it's an imminent launch.
One interesting thing to note is that while the new social network will run on its own app, it would allow for connections to existing Instagram accounts. But what's more novel is that it would also be compatible with other decentralized Twitter alternatives, such as Mastodon. This means that other people could find or follow us from different apps.
Twitter's new Instagram-based rival could arrive in June.
According to a somewhat pixelated screenshot shared by Lia Haberman via her newsletter ICYMIthe new Instagram-based social network would offer a news feed similar to Twitter's. In terms of content, users would be able to share posts of up to 500 characters, with text, links, images and videos of up to 5 minutes in length.
Of course, there would be no shortage of interaction with other users' posts, with users able to reply, like or re-post them. Special emphasis would also be placed on security and privacy features. So, for example, accounts blocked on Instagram would remain restricted on this new service, and certain words would also be blocked. On the other hand, it will be possible to report spam, prevent mentions or replies from certain people, etc.
In addition, by being able to connect to an existing Instagram account, not only would the username be retained and the bio description be imported, but we would also be able to sync our existing followers.
It's important to note that Haberman mentions that there doesn't seem to be a stipulated monetization plan for the new platform in principle. This could mean that, at least initially, there will be no advertising. This will certainly appeal to those who are not fans of sponsored content.
If all goes according to plan, we could be getting our hands on the “Twitter of Instagram” in a few weeks. It will be interesting to see what it offers, if it appeals to classic Instagram users and if it manages to differentiate itself from other alternatives to the little bird's social network already available, such as Mastodon, Bluesky or Notes.
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