Meta reportedly developing an app with a mix of Instagram and Twitter

Meta is reportedly developing a new app that combines features of Instagram (IG) and Twitter—a text-based app and has a tagline: “Instagram for your thoughts.

Photo/ Lia Haberman

According to a ICYMI post by Lia Haberman citing a creator who met with Meta, the app is codenamed Project P92 or Barcelona, and is being built on the back of Instagram.

The app will reportedly be compatible with other apps like Mastodon and will have a decentralized structure.

Users will be able to sign in with their Instagram credentials and sync up with their existing followers. Their handle, bio, and even verification will carry over from IG. Users on other apps will be able to search for, follow, and interact with your profile and content.

The app will feature a centralized feed that showcases followers and recommended content. Just like Twitter, users can post text updates, but with more characters of up to 500, as well as attach links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes long. They can engage with posts through likes, replies, and reposts, as usual.

Creator controls and account safety features will be included, such as the ability to control replies and mentions, block or report spam, and enable 2-factor authentication. The same Instagram community guidelines will reportedly be enforced.

The release of this new app could potentially increase Instagram’s already substantial popularity. With Twitter’s ongoing issues, many users are searching for an alternative platform for sharing tweet-like posts.

While other similar apps such as Mastodon have seen some success, a text-based Instagram app would allow users with an established following on the platform to continue posting without having to start from scratch on a new platform.

The app is expected to be released in late June.