Twitter announced on Wednesday, December 16, (December 15, US time) it would be discontinuing its Periscope app by March 2021, citing the unsustainability of maintaining the app given a declining user base.

“The truth,” Twitter explained, “is that the Periscope app is in an unsustainable maintenance-mode state, and has been for a while. Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen declining usage and know that the cost to support the app will only continue to go up over time.”

The company said, “Leaving it in its current state isn’t doing right by the current and former Periscope community or by Twitter.”

While Twitter is planning to close the Periscope app and remove it from app stores by March 2021, it has taken steps to ensure people who used the service can download an archive of their data before the end date. Meanwhile, broadcasts shared to Twitter can be seen as replays.

In an FAQ on its support page, Twitter also said it has relaxed requirements to be a super broadcaster, allowing Periscope users to cash out tips from followers. Those with the ability to cash out tips with the super broadcaster description have until April 30, 2021 to cash out.

Twitter also said “no one will be able to create a new account in-app starting with the next release.”

While Periscope will be leaving the app ecosystem, much of Periscope’s core functionality has already been baked into Twitter itself, such as live videos. – Rappler.com