Instagram's Twitter rival will let users post text updates of up to 500 characters, new leak reveals

By Ankita ChakravartiInstagram, the popular social media platform, is reportedly working on an app that will be similar to Twitter, according to a recent leak. The leaked information not only reveals what the app might look like but also how it will connect and synchronize with Instagram and other apps.
The new app, expected to launch in June, will be built upon the foundation of Instagram. It will have a feed that closely resembles both Twitter and Mastodon, another social networking platform. Users will have the ability to post text updates of up to 500 characters, as well as share photos and videos.

As per Lia Haberman, a Twitter user, a leaked slide from an internal presentation highlights four main features of the app. Firstly, it will allow users to engage directly with their audience and peers. Secondly, it will integrate with Instagram, enabling users to effortlessly connect with their existing followers. Thirdly, it will be compatible with other apps like Mastodon, expanding its reach. Lastly, the app will prioritize safety and security for its users.

In terms of security, the app claims to carry over the list of accounts that a user has blocked on Instagram, ensuring a consistent experience. The same Community Guidelines that apply to other apps owned by Meta, the parent company of Instagram, will also be enforced in this new text-based app, aiming to create a safe and authentic environment.

What sets this app apart from Twitter is its inclusivity. Meta advertises that the app will be compatible with other apps like Mastodon, which could be seen as a competitor. This compatibility will allow users to search for, follow, and interact with profiles and content from different platforms, expanding their reach without any additional effort.

It’s worth noting that Instagram had previously attempted to compete with Twitter through a feature called “Notes,” which was added to the existing Stories interface. However, this feature was limited in functionality, allowing users to post short text updates of only 60 characters using text and emojis. The new app being developed by Meta seems to be a more robust and direct competitor to Twitter.

Instagram’s new app will be built upon Instagram’s foundation, offer features similar to Twitter and Mastodon, and allow users to post text updates, photos, and videos. The app aims to facilitate direct engagement with an audience, integrate with Instagram, be compatible with other apps, and prioritize user safety and security. This move by Instagram demonstrates their ongoing efforts to compete directly with Twitter in the social media market.