Instagram’s Twitter Rival App Could Be Here Soon

Instagram is reportedly working on a Twitter-like text-based app dubbed “Instagram’s new text-based app for conversations.” Meta, Instagram’s parent company, hosted a meeting with select creators to announce the next Twitter rival, with a potential release this summer.

As reported by Lia Haberman in her ICYMI Substack newsletter, the new app doesn’t have an official name yet, but Meta has given it a codename (P92, Project 92, or Barcelona) and describes it as “Instagram for your thoughts.”

Built on the back of Instagram, users of this new app can sync data from their Instagram account, with their bio, handle, verification, and login information transferred from Instagram to the new app. There’s even a possibility to import followers.

This could be very beneficial for creators and public figures who already have a sizable following on Instagram, as they won’t need to start from scratch. It’s also a great strategy for Meta as large chunks of followers are likely to start an account on the new app to keep up with their favorite social media personas.

Users can enable 2-factor authentication and control who mentions them and replies to their posts. They can also block accounts and report spam. Once blocked from Instagram, flagged accounts will automatically transfer to the new app.

Like Instagram, the app will have its own content feed. Users can post text updates containing up to 500 characters – less than Instagram’s 2,200 and almost double that of Twitter’s 280. When it comes to media, users will be able to attach links, photos, and up to 5-minute-long videos. Similar to other social media apps, users can interact with other profiles by liking posts, sharing, and replying.

According to the leaked marketing slide, this new app will have an element of decentralization, allowing it to be compatible with other apps like Mastodon. “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,” the slide reads.

It’s still unclear whether the new app will have a paid version like Twitter Blue that allows users to post essay-like content of up to 10,000 characters, or roughly 2,000 words.

In fact, Meta hasn’t announced any monetization strategy for the new app yet. Most successful social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have started off ad-free and have built their audiences organically.

Meta hasn’t made an official announcement related to Instagram’s Twitter-like sister. But the company told Platformer in March: “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.”