Elon Musk’s takeover and numerous changes to the app have pushed many people to leave in search of a new home. It was inevitable that copycats and alternatives would rise. Moreover, these Twitter wannabes would start drying out as funding began waning. Today, another alternative comes to its journey’s end – Twitter alternative “Pebble” is shutting down.
Sinking Pebble
Founded by former Twitter staff, the early Twitter alternative platform “Pebble” is shutting down. Originally called “T2”, the app will close its doors next month due to low usage. What a way to go. Pebble was a nearly identical replica of the old Twitter format, with Pebble’s team prioritizing user safety. Unlike the current war zone, which is X, Pebble sought to combat abuse and harassment within its channel.
The Pebble team thought that by addressing one of the main issues on Twitter, it could offer a better alternative. Compared to what X is now, Pebble was working toward a more viable pathway to build new business. Unfortunately, low usage is any early app’s bane. As Pebble explains:
“We are immensely proud of what our team and our community have accomplished together, and we feel validated that our vision for Pebble proved true: that purposeful growth, supported by a deep commitment to safety, can foster a beautiful online community full of vibrant human connection. The painful truth, however, is that we were not growing quickly enough for investors to believe that we will break out. Combine that with a crowded space of alternatives – and the uphill climb is even steeper. In order to continue to build out a complete Pebble, we would have needed more investment and more time.”
Pebble was catering to around 3,000 daily active users, which is well below the threshold for a viable social app. While the platform conceptually makes sense, the arrival of Threads and the rising popularity of other alternatives heavily reduced Pebble’s marketability. That is not a great sign for other Twitter rivals, like Spill and Post. While both still operate, they might soon face similar challenges.
It does not seem like Threads is in the best position to challenge X in terms of scale and reach. At the same time, smaller platforms will also likely fill a niche role as former Twitter users fragment. True enough, Twitter users are fragmenting as Musk’s changes continue to alienate more user groups.
The Wrap
As more of the app’s audience segments seek alternative options, X usage will likely tank. Lower usage over time will make X a less desirable platform for advertisers, brands, etc. Musk’s grand vision might still come true, but as more of the old Twitter dies, more alternatives will rise. Regardless, since “Pebble” is shutting down, future Twitter alternatives will only face more compounding challenges.
Sources
https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/twitter-alternative-pebble-formerly-t2-shutting-down/697677/