Instagram will launch a new social network to compete with Twitter. We take stock.
Instagram will launch a new social network to compete with Twitter. We take stock.
The recent wanderings of Elon Musk and Twitter are already giving ideas to the competition.Instagram is gearing up to launch a new “text-app” that deviates from its traditional focus on sharing photographs and images. The platform is actively preparing for this shift, emphasizing the sharing of written content as its primary objective.
Instagram wants all the cake
Instagram, the undisputed leader in photo sharing, has always been transparent about its ambition to become an all-encompassing social network. In direct competition with TikTok and its video content, Instagram’s Reels feature is Meta Platform’s response. Additionally, Instagram is set to integrate with the instant messaging service Messenger, potentially replacing its current internal direct messaging system. This strategic move positions Instagram to directly challenge Twitter.
According to a Bloomberg report on May 19, 2023, Instagram is preparing to launch a separate application linked directly to its platform, unlike Messenger’s association with Facebook in the past. Users with an Instagram account will automatically be registered for this new service, which will offer compatibility with OpenPub and the potential for integration with other competitors such as Mastodon.
While Instagram aims to expand its reach, it remains committed to its core target audience: influencers. The new social network within the platform will provide content creators with a fresh avenue to express themselves and engage with their communities, moving beyond the limitations of the comment section. It’s worth noting that the new platform will also support the inclusion of images and videos.
A very practical detail, but which raises serious questions about the future interest of Instagram in its classic version.
A recent revelation by marketing and social media expert Lia Haberman showcased the initial visual of the hybrid application, revealing clear inspiration from Twitter. However, the primary focus of this new platform is to facilitate enhanced interaction between influencers and their online communities. Unlike Twitter, this space aims to be more lenient and accommodating, allowing for greater freedom of expression and engagement. The maximum message length will be approximately 500 characters, twice as much as on the blue bird social network in its free version.
An imminent release
Taking cues from Twitter’s recent challenges during the Musk era, other competitors have been inspired to explore new possibilities. Instagram, for instance, is reportedly preparing to launch its own social network by July 2023, initially targeting selected countries. Following this initial release, the company plans to gradually expand its availability worldwide throughout the summer. It remains to be seen whether Meta’s new venture will be compelling enough to reverse the current trend and encourage users to transition away from Twitter.This will undoubtedly require that the empire of Mark Zuckerberg decides to adopt aless punitive moderation on the issue of sex and politics.