• Reports suggest that Meta is developing a new text-based social app called ‘Barcelona’, which is expected to be similar in design to Twitter and to offer users an alternative to traditional social media platforms.
• The app is being developed as a separate platform from Instagram, although users will be able to log in using their Instagram credentials and their Instagram ID will be used as their username in the new app.
• ‘Barcelona’ is expected to be decentralized, but it remains unclear what this means in the context of Meta, and the app’s release date is yet to be confirmed.

In the beginning of last month, there were rumors going around that Meta, the social media giant formerly known as Facebook, was exploring the growing dissatisfaction among Twitter users. The company was reportedly considering the possibility of creating its own version of the microblogging platform, which could provide a new platform for Twitter users who were looking to switch to an alternative service.

In early March, Meta confirmed to Platformer that:

“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.”

This new project, dubbed ‘P92’ in its early stages, is said to have a similar look and feel to Twitter. Speculation suggests that the aim of the project is to attract Twitter users who are feeling disenfranchised by the recent changes made to the platform under its new owner, Elon Musk. The focus is on offering an alternative to these users who are seeking a platform that more closely aligns with their needs and preferences.

It appears that Meta’s ‘P92’ project is gaining traction, as the company’s new text-based social app, codenamed ‘Barcelona’, takes shape.

Introducing [Barcelona] —#Instagram for your thoughts 👀 pic.twitter.com/I4W55qOOPQ

— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) April 24, 2023

According to app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, the app is currently in its internal prototype stage and is being pitched as an ‘Instagram for your thoughts’. While the release date for the app is yet to be confirmed, the concept appears to involve a text-based feed of posts that seeks to capitalize on the growing popularity of private messaging in a more inclusive and expanded format. The app is being designed to offer users an alternative to traditional social media platforms and is expected to attract a significant following once it is launched.

The ‘Barcelona’ app’s concept seems to be somewhat reminiscent of Instagram’s newly introduced ‘Channels’ feature. This feature allows public figures to share messages with their followers in a broadcasting format.

As more people turn towards messaging chats instead of publicly posting their thoughts, features like ‘Channels’ have become increasingly popular. Instagram’s ‘Channels’ was developed to cater to this trend, offering a more private and personal interface for creators to engage with their fans.

Similarly, the ‘Barcelona’ app seems to be taking a similar approach but in a dedicated platform, allowing users to follow others and stay up-to-date with their text-based updates. The app aims to provide a space for more intimate discussions between individuals, catering to the growing demand for private messaging options.

What do we know about the Barcelona project so far?

The ‘Barcelona’ project is an upcoming text-based social app developed by Meta, which is expected to be a separate platform from Instagram. Users will log in using their Instagram credentials, and their Instagram ID will be used as their username in the new app.

The app is designed to allow users to post up to 500 characters per update, and it will be decentralized, although it remains unclear what this means for Meta. The development of the ‘Barcelona’ app is interesting, given the ongoing internal restructuring and job cuts at Meta, and it will be worth keeping an eye on the app as it moves towards launch.