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The Metaverse has been one of the hottest topics on the internet and social media networks for the better part of 2021 and 2022. It has been a source of gain for many people, with many investors diversifying their portfolios into Metaverse tokens. Together with financial benefits, The Metaverse brought excellent experiences to the gaming and entertainment industries. For that reason, some top companies began to announce Metaverse plans to rip the benefits. Social media platforms were never left behind. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram began involving themselves in the crypto space, joining the Metaverse race. But the question is, which social media giant is likely to launch its Metaverse first?
Meta Social Network Company
Meta seems to have taken a step ahead in the race to launch a Metaverse. This network and its social media platforms have always been making plans to launch a Metaverse in the future. In fact, due to Metaverse plans, Facebook rebranded to Meta. Social networks like Instagram, Whatsapp, Facebook, and Facebook Messenger are all under the Meta shade. Some of these networks are likely to play a major role in the upcoming Metaverse. Among them include;
1) Instagram
One of the largest social media networks is likely to be the first in the race for the Metaverse. Instagram is a photo-sharing app for people all over the globe. It has around 1.13 billion users as of 2022. According to reports, in early 2022, Mack Zuckerback announced that NFTs would soon be coming to Instagram. A similar report was leaked sometime in January 2022, indicating that there are actual plans of bringing NFTs to Instagram. As many already know, NFTs are the actual backbone of the metaverse economy. Without NFTs, there is no Metaverse. Hence, Instagram's integration of NFTs is a strong statement toward their launch of the Metaverse.
2) Facebook
This is the largest social networking platform globally, with a user base of nearly 3 billion people. It's the eldest of all social media platforms housed by Meta. Like Instagram, Facebook has recently been planning to introduce NFTs. According to reports, the NFT support for the Facebook social media platform will also start sometime in 2022. Hence, Facebook is keen on introducing its Metaverse very soon.
3) Whatsapp
Another social networking site housed by Meta, Whatsapp, could also be on its way to the Metaverse. In late 2021, a report indicated that a Whatsapp 3D version could be in Metas plans. This Whatsapp will come as part of the Metaverse.
4) Twitter
Many people have noted that Twitter could be planning a move into the Metaverse. Twitter has always had an eye for the crypto space. There is already a project team dealing with the merger of NFTs into the network. NFTs could lead Twitter to the Metaverse. Elon Musk purchased a significant share of Twitter. His involvement in the company could foster innovation. Could musk use the blockchain and Metaverse to improve speech freedom on Twitter?
5) Youtube
Youtube is another social networking platform created solely for sharing videos for global consumption. This network, owned by Google, allows creators to post videos and a comment section. In 2022, there were reports that Youtube lost some of its creators to the Metaverse. Thus, Youtube began exploring the meta-universe. According to reports, Youtube announced that it would start offering a metaverse experience as it aims to benefit from the same. But, based on the reports, Youtube does not intend to launch its Metaverse. Instead, the network aims to ensure the videos within the network feel more real. The reports show that youtube will improve its video experience, especially for game streamers.
6) ByteDance's Paiduidao
Paiduidao is a social media network launched by Tiktok owners ByteDance. This small social networking platform operating within China is already giving users a metaverse-like experience. According to reports, this new app allows users to interact with other community members using Avatars. This network is the first social media platform to bring about the Metaverse, but it's tiny compared to the other giants.
7) Reddit
Reddit is another social networking site linked heavily with the blockchain space. It's mainly a source of suitable learning materials. However, the network has shown interest in NFts and Metaverse. They recently launched a pack of NFT Avatars that its users can purchase. These Avatars are commonly used within the Metaverse. Yes, Reddit has no official Metaverse plans, but they support the Metaverse space.
Meta/Facebook is Already Ahead!
In the race for introducing a metaverse, Meta and all its products, including Facebook and Instagram, are probably already ahead. The change of name by Facebook to Meta was a show of commitment to the Metaverse. However, as already mentioned, the network has already been exploring different ways to enter the Metaverse. Meta could choose to launch the Metaverse with Facebook first to attract people back. The introduction of a 3D version of WhatsApp in the Metaverse could drive a lot of traffic into the digital universe. Most other social networks have very vague plans for the Metaverse. Musk's influence on Twitter could make The social network launch a Metaverse sooner than later.