Instagram Launches a New Text-Based App

Instagram launches a new text-based app. This newly reported app is the social media platform’s competitor to Twitter. And the app could allow users to create Twitter-like posts on a timeline.

Instagram New Text-Based App

Instagram New Text-Based App

Finally, we have an idea of what the rumored text-based Twitter competitor of Instagram might get to look and feel like, as earlier reported by Lia Haberman, who shared in her ICYMI Substack newsletter what seems to be a leaked marketing slide as well as details regarding the app.

The slide in question does not give the app a separate name but instead, it just calls it “Instagram’s new text-based app for conversations,” the app however is apparently codenamed P92 or, alternately, Barcelona, as per Haberman. Users will be able to sign in to the rumored app with their Instagram username and password, and your followers, handles, bio, and verification will also transfer over from the main app.

In the app, users will see a feed, and they can make text posts of up to 500 characters alongside attached links, videos, and photos.

What the New Text-Based App Looks Like

The app as you should know looks pretty much like if you mixed Instagram and Twitter together, based on two screenshots that are included in the leaked marketing slide. And Meta apparently will have some good moderation controls from the beginning, “equipping you with settings to control who can reply to you and mention your account,” the slide states. Any accounts that you have blocked on Instagram will apparently carry over to the new text-based app.

Perhaps most significantly, though, the new Instagram text-based app will be featuring an element of decentralization as well, just so you know. “Soon, our app will be compatible with certain other apps like Mastodon,” Instagram’s slide states. “Users on these other apps will be able to search for, follow and interact with your profile and content if you’re public, or if you’re private and approve them as followers.” (And presumably that very compatibility will come through ActivityPub, which Meta has for some time now been exploring alongside other tech companies.)

The Effect the App Would Have Upon Release

If the app in question gets to be released widely, it could make Instagram an even more popular destination than it already is at the moment. And with the continued worsening of Twitter, many people and users alike are on the hunt for their next place to share tweet-like updates. While platforms such as Mastodon and Bluesky have gained some traction, a text-based Instagram app would however offer a way for users who have already built followings on the platform to just keep posting there without having to scrounge for followers in yet another place altogether.

Meta’s Response to the New App

Meta on the matter declined to comment. Back in March, the tech giant provided the following statement about its efforts to Platformer: “We’re exploring a standalone decentralized social network for sharing text updates. We believe there’s an opportunity for a separate space where creators and public figures can share timely updates about their interests.”

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