by Jalaja Ramanunni
Instagram, owned by Meta, is planning to launch a text-based conversation app.
Instagram is currently developing a new functionality that enables users to share text-based content. The text posts can contain up to 500 characters with attached links, photos, and videos.
The text-based app will be separate from the existing Instagram app, The Verge reported.
Instagram’s new text-based app will be an offshoot of Instagram that can be accessed using the same login credentials.
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One of the notable aspects of the new Instagram text app is its incorporation of decentralization. Importantly, the app will be designed to be compatible with decentralized social media platforms like Mastodon, an open source Twitter alternative.
Instagram’s upcoming text app will compete with Twitter and display a similar user interface with a centralised feed.
However, the main element that differentiates the new platform from Twitter and Facebook, is that users can create text-only images; a user’s post containing text will be displayed as an image.
Users are in search of an alternative platform to share updates similar to those typically seen on Twitter, considering the chaos surrounding Twitter.
Earlier this year, Meta had announced that it is creating a decentralized Twitter alternative reportedly codenamed ‘P92’. “We’re exploring a standalone decentralized social network for sharing text updates. We believe there’s an opportunity for a separate space where creators and public figures can share timely updates about their interests,” a Meta spokesperson was quoted by Reuters in March 2023.
