Meta, the company behind Instagram, has been diligently working on its own Twitter alternative. As the anticipated launch draws near, leaked slides from an internal meeting shed light on the app’s design and functionality via The Verge.
The app, internally known as “Project 92” and potentially named “Threads,” utilizes Instagram’s account system to automatically populate user information. The forthcoming standalone app, described by Meta’s chief product officer, Chris Cox, as “our response to Twitter,” will integrate with ActivityPub, a decentralized social media protocol.
This integration paves the way for users to seamlessly transfer their accounts and followers to other ActivityPub-supporting apps, such as Mastodon. According to a top executive, the company has received interest from creators and public figures seeking a responsibly operated platform.
Cox revealed that development for the app commenced in January, expressing Meta’s commitment to release it at the earliest opportunity. Notably, DJ Slime and other prominent personalities have already committed to using the app, with discussions underway with notable figures like Oprah and the Dalai Lama.
Chris Cox, Meta’s Chief Product Officer, shared the following thoughts on the app’s development:
We’ve heard from creators and public figures who want a platform that’s well-managed, trustworthy, and reliable for content distribution. Our aim for the app is to prioritize safety, user-friendliness, and reliability. We want to provide creators with a stable environment to build and expand their audiences.