Meta, the owner of Facebook, has presented its employees with plans for a text-based social media platform aimed at competing with Twitter.
The new platform, which is currently in development, may allow users to follow the same accounts they already follow on Instagram, Meta’s image-sharing app.
Additionally, it could potentially enable users to transfer their followers from decentralized platforms like Mastodon.
A spokesperson from Meta confirmed the development of the platform to BBC, stating that they are exploring the creation of a separate decentralized social network for sharing text updates.
The goal is to provide a space where creators and public figures can share timely updates about their interests.
Chris Cox, Meta’s chief product officer, mentioned that coding for the platform is underway, and the company aims to release it soon, although no specific date was provided. Speculation suggests that it could be launched as early as the end of June.
Read also: Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey launches alternative App on Android, Bluesky
The new platform may likely have same design as Twitter
Leaked screenshots, which were internally shared with employees, have appeared online, providing a glimpse into the potential appearance of the app.
Sources within the company have verified the authenticity of these screenshots. If accurate, the layout of this new platform will resemble Twitter’s familiar design.
This upcoming text-based network codenamed P92, has the potential to become a significant competitor to Elon Musk’s Twitter, surpassing both BlueSky and Mastodon.
Unlike starting afresh on a new social network and rebuilding a community, this platform can tap into the massive existing Instagram user base, as Meta claims to have around two billion users, far surpassing Twitter’s estimated 300 million users (though Twitter’s numbers are unverifiable).
If even a quarter of Instagram’s user base can be enticed to use P92 (which will likely have a more appealing name upon launch), it will instantly surpass its older rival in terms of user size.
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How Meta’s similar platform will affect Twitter
Meta’s similar platform may potentially affect Twitter in a few ways.
According to analysts, it could offer competition to Twitter and draw users away from the platform. If MetaVerse gains popularity, it could become a more appealing option for users who are looking for a new social media experience.
Additionally, the focus on virtual reality and augmented reality could provide a new way for users to interact with each other that Twitter may not be able to replicate.
However, it is important to note that Twitter has a large user base and a strong brand presence, so it may not be significantly impacted by the introduction of the new platform. Ultimately, it remains to be seen how the new platform will impact Twitter and the broader social media landscape.
Twitter has faced scrutiny regarding platform moderation in recent months and withdrew from the EU’s voluntary disinformation code in May.
Under Elon Musk’s leadership, Twitter’s moderation reportedly decreased, which critics argue contributed to the spread of misinformation. However, Musk contends that there is now “less misinformation rather than more” since assuming control in October 2022.