Here’s How Instagram’s Twitter Competitor Will Look.

We now have some details on Instagram’s rumoured text-based rival to Twitter, according to a report by Lia Haberman in her ICYMI (in case you missed it) Substack newsletter. Haberman revealed what seems to be a leaked marketing presentation, as well as specifics about the future software.

The app isn’t given a specific name in the presentation; instead, it’s referred to as “Instagram’s new text-based app for conversations.” Haberman, on the other hand, indicates that the app is internally known as P92 or, alternately, Barcelona.

Users will be able to login in using their current Instagram username and password. Notably, crucial components from the original Instagram app, such as followers, handle, bio, and verification, are anticipated to effortlessly transition over to this new text-based interface.
Users will have access to a feed inside the app where they may publish text-based posts of up to 500 characters in length. These postings may have connected links, photographs, and videos, providing a rich multimedia experience.

The app’s layout seems to be a hybrid of Instagram and Twitter, based on two screenshots included in the leaked marketing PowerPoint. Furthermore, Meta (the parent company of Instagram) aims to install extensive moderation rules from the outset, according to the PowerPoint.

Users will be able to regulate who may react to their posts and mention their accounts using these restrictions. Importantly, any prohibited accounts on Instagram are said to be carried over to this new app as well.

The incorporation of decentralisation in the next Instagram text app is one significant feature. The Instagram app will soon be compatible with certain programmes such as Mastodon, according to the presentation. Users of these other applications will be able to search for, follow, and interact with your profile and content because of this interoperability.

They may engage freely if your account is public; if it is private, you can approve them as followers. This compatibility is most likely to be realised via the use of ActivityPub, a technology that Meta has been actively researching in partnership with other technology firms.

The widespread availability of this app might cement Instagram’s position as a hugely popular platform. As Twitter faces new obstacles, there is a rising need for alternate locations to post quick updates similar to tweets.

Meta has opted not to comment on this subject. However, it sent a statement to Platformer in March about its continued efforts:

We’re investigating the possibility of creating a separate decentralised social network for exchanging text updates. We feel there is a place for creative and public personalities to offer current information about their interests.