While user numbers on the Twitter platform have declined over the past period, especially since Elon Musk took over the platform last October, a new study conducted by the Pew Research Center shows that 60% of American Twitter users say this is not the case, and they have used the platform. For several weeks or more in the past year.
While the future of the Twitter platform remains uncertain, especially with Linda Iaccarino as CEO, Meta has decided to join the fray with a new Instagram-based blogging app that's set to launch this summer. According to an email shared with some developers seen by TechCrunch.
The company is currently testing the project with celebrities and influencers and has been secretly making it available to some YouTubers for several months, but none of them have had access to the full version of the app, according to a report by Bloomberg, the insiders said. Theme. .
The new app will be independent but will be partially integrated with Instagram as it will allow people to link their accounts and all their followers will be notified that they are being followed through the new app. A decentralized social protocol.
Leah Habermann, who studies social media marketing and influencer marketing at UCLA, tweeted a screenshot of the new app and said Meta expects it to launch in late June.
Meta’s been briefing creators on it’s upcoming text-based app — now looking at a possible late June launch.
— Lia Haberman (@liahaberman) May 19, 2023
Details are in my newsletter but I’ll list some highlights 🧵 pic.twitter.com/KYqqXjrRmD
What about new apps based on the Instagram interface?
The new decentralized Instagram app will be codenamed P92, or Barcelona, and as first reported by MoneyControl, Meta said in a statement: "It is already exploring a decentralized, standalone social network for text sharing." , I think there is a way to create a unique space. Content creators and public figures can share the latest updates about their interests here.
(Habermann) said that text messages in the new application will reach 500 words, with the ability to add links, pictures and videos of up to 5 minutes. For example, Twitter and competing apps will have a feed where you can like and reply to or repost content.
Users can log in with their Instagram username and password, sync followers, and transfer their username, bio, and even authentication tags to the new app.
The app will also have content creation controls and account security features. Replies and mentions, blocking or reporting spam can be easily controlled and accounts that have been blocked on Instagram will be carried over.
According to two leaked screenshots, the new app looks like a cross between Instagram and Twitter.
(Habermann) said Meta hasn't shared any concrete plans to monetize the new app with creators yet, which could mean there won't be any advertising in the app initially, in which case we hope the focus will be on spreading the word app.
Is the market ready for a Twitter alternative?
Given the confusion among users caused by recent Twitter policy changes, the market is ripe for new Twitter alternatives, which we've already seen with platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky being launched by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey and Ex-CEO.
But like any company, when Meta launches new apps and experiences, it doesn't always deliver the expected success. In recent years, the company has launched a teen app (tbh), an app that was discontinued last February (Cameo-like Super), an app dedicated to connecting neighbors and sharing local news (a Nextdoor clone) and other products also by the end of 2022, and the app (voice) . ), an application for students (campus) and many others without success.
But Meta may have learned from all his previous failures and was very successful in this attempt.