Instagram, owned by Meta Platforms, is reportedly developing a text-based app to directly compete with Twitter. According to sources familiar with the matter, the app could be launched as early as June.
The company is currently testing the product with influencers and creators, aiming to integrate it seamlessly with the existing Instagram platform.
Meta has been reaching out to talent agencies and celebrities to gauge their interest in trying out an early version of the app. However, there has been no official response from the company regarding these reports.
In an insightful newsletter by Lia Haberman, a social and influencer marketing expert at UCLA, it has been revealed that Instagram’s parent company, Meta, has been covertly testing a new decentralized app for several months. While building on Instagram’s foundation, this standalone app will offer compatibility with other platforms such as Mastodon, further expanding its reach.
According to Haberman’s findings, the upcoming app aims to enhance connectivity by enabling users to communicate with their friends through text, shared links, photos, and videos. Additionally, fans will enjoy seamless access to the accounts of their favorite influencers and creators with just a single tap, bridging the gap between followers and content creators.
Privacy and security are key considerations for this new venture, as the app will inherit blocked accounts from Instagram to ensure user privacy. Furthermore, ongoing efforts are being made to fortify the app’s security measures.
Excitingly, the development team behind the app is actively working on establishing compatibility with Mastodon, a notable competitor to Twitter. This strategic move highlights Instagram’s ambition to offer users a versatile and interconnected experience, transcending the boundaries of a single platform.
The imminent release of this innovative app is anticipated to bring forth a new era of social media interaction, empowering users with enhanced features, connectivity, and privacy safeguards.
