According to sources, Meta (formerly known as Facebook) has shared plans with staff for a text-based social network aimed at competing with Twitter. The platform, which is currently in development, may offer users the ability to follow accounts they already follow on Instagram, Meta’s image-sharing app. Additionally, there are possibilities of allowing users to import their followers from decentralized platforms like Mastodon.
A Meta spokesperson has confirmed the development of the platform, stating that they are exploring the creation of a standalone decentralized social network for sharing text updates. The goal is to provide a separate space where creators and public figures can share timely updates about their interests. Meta’s Chief Product Officer, Chris Cox, has revealed that coding for the platform is already in progress, although no specific release date has been announced. Speculation suggests that the launch could potentially take place as early as the end of June.
Leaked screenshots of the new platform have surfaced online, which were reportedly shown internally to Meta employees. Sources within the company have confirmed the authenticity of these screenshots. If accurate, the layout of the new platform will bear similarities to Twitter, making it familiar to users who are accustomed to that interface.
The text-based network, tentatively named P92, could pose a significant challenge to Twitter, potentially surpassing the user base of Elon Musk’s Twitter rival, BlueSky, and decentralized platform Mastodon. With approximately two billion users on Instagram, Meta’s massive existing community provides a strong foundation. Even if a fraction, such as 25%, of Instagram users transition to the new platform, it would instantly exceed the user base of Twitter, which is estimated to have 300 million users (although this figure can no longer be verified).
Meta has a track record of drawing inspiration from other products, as seen with Facebook Stories based on a Snapchat feature and Instagram Reels resembling TikTok. Twitter has faced scrutiny regarding platform moderation, leading to its withdrawal from the EU’s voluntary disinformation code in May. Under Elon Musk’s leadership, Twitter’s moderation efforts have reportedly been reduced, leading to concerns about the spread of disinformation. However, Musk argues that misinformation has decreased since he assumed control in October 2022. The introduction of Meta’s text-based social network could introduce a fresh competitor to the social media landscape, potentially reshaping user dynamics and platform preferences. Stay tuned for updates as the platform’s release date approaches.
