Instagram may unveil Twitter-like text-based app in June, first look leaked

A recent leak suggests that the well-known social media platform Instagram is developing an app that would be similar to Twitter. The leaked details show how the app would link to and sync with Meta-owned Instagram and other apps, in addition to what it might look like.

As per the reports, it’s claimed that the new app would compete with Twitter. Currently, the company is testing the project idea with celebrities and influencers. For months, Instagram has been in touch with a few select creators.

According to Lia Haberman, who teaches social and influencer marketing at UCLA and tweeted a snapshot of an early app description, the new app will be independent of Instagram but allow users to connect accounts and may launch as early as June.

On May 19, she first revealed the details of this new app in her newsletter, ICYMI. Later on, she revealed the app’s details in a series of tweets. She stated the app is similar to Instagram and Mastodon, “The decentralized app is built on the back of Instagram but will be compatible with some other apps like Mastodon. So, users on other apps will be able search for, follow and interact with your profile and content”. The users can connect with their existing followers.

Then she talked about increased word limit in text-based updates, “the app will have a centralized feed showcasing your followers and recommended content. You can post text updates up to 500 characters (that’s less than an Instagram caption, an extended tweet or a LinkedIn post, so be concise!) And also videos and images”. Users can attach links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes long.

Haberman also talked about the safety features, “the app will have creator controls and account safety features. For example, accounts you’ve blocked on IG will carry over Hidden words you’ve selected on IG will also carry over”. The app will follow Instagram’s community guidelines and be enabled by 2-factor authentication.

While talking about the developments in Meta, she stated, “historically, we know Meta likes to sample and recreate features from other apps and third-party tools based on what they anticipate being popular with their users”.

She pointed out that after the acquisition, Musk has discussed making Twitter into an “everything app,” with several features in addition to informational messages, “based on Meta’s track record borrowing from other platforms, it’s much more likely they’ll get there first by consolidating all these experiences they’re building”. This move shows that Meta continues to try to challenge Twitter in the social media space directly.