What to expect from Meta’s version of Twitter
In a recent discovery of backend code, Meta's highly anticipated Twitter alternative app has taken another step towards its release. The experimental text-based messaging feed will soon be represented by its own distinct icon, as unveiled by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi. Sporting a colour scheme reminiscent of Twitter, the icon retains Meta's signature gradient approach, akin to Instagram.
Over the past few months, Meta has been diligently developing its alternative platform in response to growing unrest among Twitter users, fueled by Elon Musk's transformative changes to the app. With an increasing number of individuals seeking real-time updates from varied sources, Meta, as is customary, has astutely identified an opportunity. Leveraging the network effects of Instagram, the company appears poised to encroach upon Twitter's territory, aiming to capture a potentially significant user base.
Back in March, Meta confirmed its active involvement in the creation of a text-based, decentralised chat app. The app's purpose is to capitalise on the market demand for creators and public figures to share timely updates about their areas of interest.
Since then, additional glimpses of this forthcoming "Instagram for your thoughts" have emerged, including previews of the user interface and insights into user interactions within the standalone app.
These images, shared by Lia Haberman of ICYMI, provide a glimpse into the app's functionality. The app, which has had numerous monikers including “Project 92”, "Barcelona” and “Threads”, will essentially offer a streamlined version of Twitter, tailored to a chat-centric feed. This design choice aligns with the shifting behavioral patterns of social interactions towards private conversations and accommodates Twitter users seeking new horizons.
A preview into Meta’s competitor to Twitter, dubbed “Barcelona”. Source: Lia Haberman, ICYMI
Operating as an offshoot of Instagram, the separate app will require users to log in using their Instagram credentials. Users will be able to share text updates of up to 500 characters and incorporate links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length within their streams.
Furthermore, the app will feature decentralisation, although the precise implications of this within the Meta context remain unclear. It remains to be seen how Meta's decentralised offering will align with other similar social platforms.
While Instagram has maintained a veil of secrecy surrounding the project, even Mark Zuckerberg recently jesting about it during a conversation with Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, rumours suggest that its launch is slated for mid-July. However, based on the glimpses we have seen, it may even arrive sooner than anticipated, and is supposedly going to be “promoted inside Instagram, giving it a massive source of distribution [from] day one.”
We can’t wait to see how it plays out! Watch this space.