Instagram Considering Standalone Reels App To Compete With TikTok.
Instagram is reportedly exploring the possibility of launching its short-form video feature, Reels, as a separate app, as uncertainty over the future of TikTok in the United States continues.
According to a report by The Information, Instagram boss Adam Mosseri informed staff of the potential move this week. The report cites a source who was present during the discussion.
Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the speculation.
The development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of TikTok, which faces a potential ban or forced sale in the US due to concerns over national security. In January, US President Donald Trump extended a deadline for compliance with a law signed by then-President Joe Biden, which mandates TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance to either divest the platform or face a ban.
The Biden administration expressed concerns that TikTok, with its 170 million US users, could be exploited by China for surveillance or political influence. However, critics argue that banning the platform would infringe on freedom of speech.
This would not be Meta’s first attempt to challenge TikTok. In 2018, the company launched Lasso, a standalone short-video app, but it was later discontinued. If Instagram moves forward with a dedicated Reels app, it could be a significant move to capitalise on TikTok’s uncertain future in the US.
