Instagram, a platform owned by Meta Platforms, is reportedly preparing to launch a text-based application aimed at competing with Twitter, potentially as early as June, according to a report from Bloomberg News citing sources familiar with the development.
Currently, the new app is undergoing testing with influencers and select content creators, as detailed in the report.
Meta has yet to respond to a request for comment from Reuters regarding the new application.
According to Alex Heath’s newsletter, the company is actively reaching out to talent agencies and celebrities to assess their interest in participating in an early version of the app, which is expected to be integrated with Instagram.
Lia Haberman, an educator in social and influencer marketing at UCLA, mentioned in her newsletter that this decentralized application is built on the foundations of Instagram, but will support connectivity with other platforms such as Mastodon.
The report indicates that select creators have had access to the new app for several months under confidentiality. While it operates independently from Instagram, users will still be able to link their accounts.
Haberman’s newsletter also previews some features of the app, which will facilitate communication among friends through text messages, shared links, photos, and videos. Additionally, users will be able to follow their favorite influencers and creators from Instagram with a single click.
The app is also undergoing updates to enhance security features. Users who have been blocked on Instagram may have their restrictions carried over to the new platform, which is also working on becoming compatible with Mastodon, a Twitter alternative.
© Thomson Reuters 2023
