Instagram's Twitter-like text-based app looks and details revealed

It is rumored that Meta, which develops popular apps such as Facebook and Instagram, is developing a text-based distributed SNS that will be an alternative to Twitter. Leah Haberman has independently obtained and published screenshots of this new Meta social media app.

ICYMI: Instagram's New App Could Be Here By June
https://liahaberman.substack.com/p/icymi-instagrams-new-app-could-be?

This is Instagram's new Twitter competitor - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/19/23730070/instagram-twitter-app-competitor-leak

Since the acquisition of Twitter by Elon Musk, the shift to Twitter alternative SNS such as Mastodon and Bluesky has accelerated. It is said that Meta is also moving to develop a Twitter alternative application, and it was reported in March 2023 that it was developing a text-based content application under the codename 'P92'.

It is reported that Meta is developing a distributed SNS 'P92' that will replace Twitter - GIGAZINE

Mr. Habermann has independently obtained internal materials regarding this P92. According to him, the internal document says 'Instagram's new text-based conversation app', and the app under development is codenamed 'P92' or 'Barcelona'. The app can be signed in with an Instagram account, and it seems that the handle name, profile, followers, and authentication information will all be transferred from the Instagram app.

The app can post text of up to 500 characters with attached links, photos, and videos in a format in which feeds flow vertically like Twitter. The overseas media The Verge, who saw the screenshot of the app, said, ``If you look at the screenshot, it looks like a mixture of Twitter and Instagram.''

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 app features Meta's excellent moderation controls, which it says 'provides settings that control who can reply to you and mention your account.' In addition, it seems that accounts blocked on Instagram will continue to be blocked on this P92.

As previously reported, the P92 also seems to include elements of decentralization, with an internal document stating, 'Soon, our app will be compatible with certain other apps like Mastodon. 'Users of this 'other app' will be able to search, follow, and manipulate (like, etc.) your profile and content if you make your account public. On the other hand , If your account is private, you can send approval to become a follower.' Regarding this compatibility, The Verge pointed out, ``This compatibility will be realized through ActivityPub , which Meta is considering in cooperation with other technology companies.''

The Verge said, ``The P92 could make Instagram even more popular than it is now. While gaining some momentum, the text-based Instagram app will eliminate the need to hunt for followers on another platform for people who already have followers on the platform. If such an app appears, it will be an ideal Twitter alternative for Instagram users.

Meta refrained from commenting on P92, but said in March 2023, ``We are considering a standalone decentralized social network for sharing text updates. We believe there is an opportunity in another platform where we can share timely updates about our interests.'