Meta's upcoming Twitter competitor is progressing towards its launch, and a select group of creators are now being briefed on the functionality of Instagram's text-based app, tentatively named 'Barcelona'. Shared images, courtesy of ICYMI's Lia Haberman, provide a glimpse into the app, which appears to be a simplified version of Twitter with a chat-based feed.

This design choice is intentional, as Instagram has witnessed a shift towards more private conversations through direct messages (DMs) in recent years, with the main feed predominantly serving as a platform for discovery rather than public posting. In line with this trend, the new app aims to create a large-scale group chat accessible to anyone, similar in concept to Twitter but with a distinctive Instagram twist.

Regarding specific features, users will be able to log into the app using their Instagram credentials, including their username, and synchronize their Instagram followers. The app will allow users to share text updates of up to 500 characters, along with the option to include links, photos, and videos of up to 5 minutes in duration.

In addition to replying to posts directly within the stream, users will have the ability to like, reply, and repost content, resembling the functionality of retweeting in the Twitter app. The new app is being constructed on a decentralized back-end, marking Meta's initial foray into building a decentralized network. This move is intended to ensure profile compatibility with other decentralized systems.

According to Meta, users on the app will have the ability to search for, follow, and engage with your profile and content. This applies to both public accounts and private accounts that approve followers. The aim is to allow creators to reach new audiences effortlessly. Additionally, eligible creators may receive recommendations for users who do not currently follow them.

While the project will undoubtedly be seen as a competitor to Twitter, it also represents Meta's effort to adapt to evolving usage trends and explore decentralization. The goal is to create a more open system that better serves social media users in various aspects. Instagram has already made several updates to align with this trend, including features like Broadcast Channels and 'Notes' for sharing conversation prompts. A dedicated chat app is the logical next step, and it could pose serious competition for Twitter, whether that is the project's primary intention or not.

Considering Instagram's massive user base of over a billion daily active users compared to Twitter's 253 million, and Meta's efforts to facilitate a seamless transition to the new app, it has the potential to quickly become a substantial Twitter-like platform. This could result in more users shifting their focus to this new experience, even those who have been dissatisfied with recent changes on Twitter. The ability to port one's Instagram audience to the new app could be a major advantage. If Meta can make the app user-friendly without the complications often associated with decentralized apps, it could deal a significant blow to Twitter by offering a viable alternative.

Elon Musk has snidely advised unhappy Twitter users to go elsewhere, and with this new app enabling users to bring their Instagram audience along, more users might just take his suggestion. This could lead to a shift in advertiser attention as well, especially if Meta eventually decides to monetize the app (although ads will not be included in the initial version). The forthcoming launch of the app, reportedly scheduled for next month, presents an intriguing experiment that could have a substantial impact on the social media landscape.

Meta’s Very Own ‘Twitter’ To Be Launched Next Month