Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, is moving forward with its plans to launch a Twitter competitor. According to reports, public figures are expressing interest in a similar platform that is “sanely run.” Meta’s standalone app, codenamed Project92 and potentially named Threads, is being developed as a response to Twitter’s management under Elon Musk.
During an internal meeting, Meta’s chief product officer, Chris Cox, revealed that the app aims to provide creators and public figures with a trustworthy and reliable platform for distribution. Cox mentioned discussions with prominent personalities such as Oprah Winfrey and the Dalai Lama, who could potentially become users of the new app. Development of the app began in January, and Meta intends to make it available as soon as possible.
The app, reportedly integrating with ActivityPub, a technology used by Mastodon, a decentralized alternative to Twitter, will enable interoperability among social networks. This means that users of the Meta app could potentially migrate their accounts and followers to other apps supported by ActivityPub, like Mastodon.
Based on earlier reports, the app will be built upon Instagram’s infrastructure, allowing users to sign in using their Instagram credentials. Their followers, user bio, and verification status would also transfer to the new app seamlessly.
Meta’s primary focus for the app is safety, ease of use, and reliability, providing creators with a stable platform to build and grow their audiences. A screenshot shared by the Verge showcased an interface resembling that of Twitter, complete with blue ticks, profile pictures, and buttons for liking, replying, and retweeting.
Under Musk’s leadership, Twitter has faced significant challenges, including concerns about moderation standards and a botched relaunch of its subscription service, which led to the creation of numerous impersonator accounts. Although Musk has claimed that the platform’s userbase has not declined since he acquired the company, Twitter’s financial situation has been impacted. Ad revenues in the first week of May were reportedly 59% lower compared to the same period last year.
Twitter recently appointed Linda Yaccarino, a TV advertising executive from NBCUniversal, as its new chief executive, in a bid to address these challenges and revive the platform.
As Meta progresses with Project92, it aims to attract public figures and creators who seek a platform that is responsibly managed and conducive to their goals of building and engaging with audiences.
