Meta is reportedly working on a new text-based content app that will serve as a micro-blogging rival to Twitter. However, the app will not be linked to the company's Facebook social network. Instead, the new app will support “ActivityPub,” a decentralized social network service. This is the same protocol that underpins Mastodon, the app that has benefitted most from Twitter's recent problems.
While Meta's intentions were initially a rumor, a Meta spokesperson confirmed the project in a statement to MoneyControl:
“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.”
The app is currently under development and Meta is using the codename P92 for the service. It provides a platform for users to broadcast their posts to servers. People can view content across different servers.
Among the features Meta is said to be adding at the ability to tap links in posts and previews, usernames, verification badged, support for media (images/video/audio), and user bios. Of course, no Meta app would be complete without likes, followers, and comments, and those tools will be available too.
Mastodon Growth
In December, I reported on Mastodon's surge in popularity since Elon Musk acquired Twitter and became a very vocal CEO. In fact, Eugen Rochko – who also serves as lead developer of the app – says the number of monthly active users increased from 300,000 to 2.5 million from October to November.
Musk has courted controversy with his political views, while also banning people on the platform and laying off thousands of employees.
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