Facebook and Instagram employees reportedly met virtually in November to brainstorm ideas for a text-based app that could take on Twitter. The meeting reportedly discussed creating a standalone text-based app using Instagram’s technology, or integrating the feature into the existing Instagram platform. The employees also discussed potential names for the app, including Realtime, Real Reels and Instant. This isn’t the first time Facebook has attempted to copy another social media platform, with Instagram Reels taking on TikTok and discussions about turning WhatsApp into a WeChat competitor.

Mark Zuckerberg’s company has a history of attempting to copy other social media platforms. For example, Instagram launched Instagram Reels to compete with TikTok after testing and shutting down a separate TikTok clone called Lasso. Zuckerberg has also discussed turning Meta’s WhatsApp into a competitor to WeChat. Additionally, the Facebook founder has previously shown interest in Twitter, as he offered to buy the company for $500 million in 2008, but the offer was rejected.

12-07-2022