As the future remains uncertain for Twitter, Meta throws in its hat to build the next big microblogging platform. This new Meta app is expected to launch this summer, according to an email shared with a select group of creators and reviewed by TechCrunch.
This text-based app will stand alone, but will be partially integrated into Instagram. Users will keep their Instagram verification and handle, and all of their followers will receive a notification to start following them on the yet-to-be-named platform. Meta’s text-based platform will be decentralized and interoperable with Mastodon, which is built on the ActivityPub protocol.
Meta wants to get high-profile public figures on board for early access, such as athletes, actors, producers, showrunners, and comedians. In its note to these creators, Meta admitted that Mastodon, Bluesky, and other apps have had a head start in the race to build the next Twitter. But the company pointed out that it has the advantage of having access to billions of users through its family of apps, which includes Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger.
This new decentralized app is codenamed P92 or Barcelona, as first reported by Money control. Meta has been quiet about these developments, but said in a statement to Money Control: “We are exploring a self-contained decentralized social network for sharing text updates. We believe there is an opportunity for a separate space where creators and public figures can share timely updates about their interests.”
According to Lia Haberman, author of social media newsletter ICYMI, the app uses the same community guidelines as Instagram. Likewise, users can log in with their Instagram credentials, blocks and hidden words are carried over from Instagram, and some safety features are built in from the start, such as two-factor authentication and spam reporting. Haberman’s sources also informed her that text messages will be up to 500 characters long and users will also be able to upload photos, links and videos of up to five minutes. Like Twitter and other competitor apps, there will be a feed where you can like, reply or repost content.
Social media consultant Matt Navarra received the same information in which he had shared a tweet posted earlier this month.
Meta declined TechCrunch’s request for further comment, but did not dispute the accuracy of the leaked information.
The market is ripe for new Twitter alternatives, although after migrating to a variety of platforms, some users may be a little weary at the prospect of setting up yet another account. Like any company, when Meta releases new apps and experiences, they don’t always take off. In recent years, it has destroyed products such as anonymous teen app tbh, Cameo-like app Super, Nextdoor clone neighborhoods, app Tuned for couples, student-focused social network Campus, video dating service Sparked, and more.
