Big Technology Podcast How Twitter, Instagram, and Planet Build Products — With Kevin Weil
Jul 6, 2022
Kevin Weil, the former head of product at Twitter and Instagram, now leads business and product at Planet, a company capturing daily images of Earth with satellites. He discusses the unique challenges Twitter faces in maintaining public conversation amid pressures from Elon Musk and TikTok. Weil also contrasts Twitter's scaling struggles with Instagram's decisive product strategies and highlights how satellite imagery can enhance transparency and address climate change. His insights on cryptocurrency's potential impact on remittances are equally thought-provoking.
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Twitter's Potential and Challenge
- Twitter’s potential lies in its unique position as a platform for public conversation and idea exchange.
- It struggles with competing for user attention against platforms focused on closer connections.
Prioritizing Relevance
- Make your platform more relevant and useful to attract users.
- Prioritize content from people users care about most, even if it means altering chronological order.
Joining Instagram
- Kevin Weil was initially hesitant to join Instagram, despite knowing Kevin Systrom.
- He changed his mind after meeting the Instagram team and recognizing the product's and company's potential.