Whether it’s a coincidence or a test release, the timing is certainly interesting given the tweet rate limit (600 posts per day if you’re an unverified user) that CEO Musk just set.

According to app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, promotional images suggest that Threads will allow users to transfer their Instagram usernames to this new platform, which focuses on conversation-based discussions and opens up direct message chats to a wider audience. It’s essentially like Twitter, but with the Instagram Direct feature. The Threads app is described in the Play Store as a platform where communities come together to discuss various topics and connect with their favorite creators and other like-minded individuals.

Meta seems to present its app as a concise description of Twitter. The company has been working on a competing text-based platform for some time, initially exploring the idea of a decentralized social network for sharing text updates (originally called Project 92). However, the focus has shifted and Meta is now using Instagram’s popularity to create a viable alternative to Twitter.

This move might appeal to those who are not happy with the recent changes introduced by Elon Musk. It is highly likely that Twitter users, especially those who follow trending topics, affected by the new restrictions will be eager to find a new platform for text posts.

While Meta has yet to announce an official launch date for the app, this brief appearance on the Google Play Store likely means an official debut is on the horizon.