Everything we know about Instagram clones is on Twitter, because this summer

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Image credits: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images

While the future is still uncertain for Twitter, Meta is throwing its hat in the ring to build the next major micro-blogging platform. The new Meta app is expected to launch this summer, according to an email shared with a select group of creators, and seen by TechCrunch.

This text-based app will stand alone, but will be partially integrated within Instagram. Users will keep Instagram verified and engaged, and all their followers will receive a notification to continue following them on the platform to be named. The text-based Meta platform will be decentralized and interoperable with Mastodon, which is built on the ActivityPub protocol.

Meta wants high-profile public figures to arrive early, such as athletes, actors, producers, presenters, and comedians. In its memo to these creators, the Meta acknowledged that Mastodon, Bluesky, and other apps had a head start in the race to build the next Twitter. But the company noted that it has the advantage of reaching billions of users through its suite of apps that include Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger.

This new decentralized application is codenamed P92 or Barcelona, ​​as first reported by MoneyControl. Meta has been quiet about these developments, but said in a statement to Money Control: “We are exploring a standalone decentralized social network for sharing text updates. We believe there is an opportunity for a separate space where content creators and public figures can share timely updates about their interests.”

According to Lia Haberman, author of the ICYMI social media newsletter, the app will use the same community guidelines as Instagram. Likewise, users will be able to log in with their Instagram credentials, bans and hidden words will be migrated from Instagram, and some security features will be included initially, such as two-factor authentication and spam reporting. Habermann’s sources also told her that text posts will be up to 500 characters long, and users can also upload photos, links, and videos of up to five minutes in length. Like Twitter and other competing apps, there will be a feed where you can like, reply to, or retweet content.

Social media consultant Navarra died Received this same information, in which he participated Tweet Posted earlier this month.

Meta declined TechCrunch’s request for further comment, but did not dispute the accuracy of the leaked information.

The market is ripe for new Twitter alternatives, although after moving to so many platforms, some users may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of yet another new account. Like any company, when Meta releases new apps and experiences, they don’t always take off. In the past few years, Sunny products have come out like anonymous teen app tbh, Cameo-like Super app, Nextdoor clone Neighborhoods, couples app Tuned, student-focused social network Campus, video dating service Sparked and more.