Instagram May Change Reels Access To Compete With TikTok

The rise of short-form video content and the uncertainty surrounding a potential TikTok ban in the U.S. seem to have prompted Meta to explore the possibility of launching Instagram Reels as its own dedicated app.

Instagram’s feature for vertically scrolling videos could evolve into a separate application focused solely on short-form content, distinct from its photo-sharing capabilities. According to reports, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has shared this development with employees, as noted by the Information.

It's still uncertain whether this Reels app will merely offer a streamlined interface with video feeds and discovery options, or if it might incorporate separate messaging capabilities as well. In contrast, if you’re on the lookout for a photo-sharing alternative that doesn't encourage mindless scrolling through endless videos, consider trying Foto—a newly launched app that aims to eliminate such distractions.

Where TikTok Stands in the U.S.

This development comes in the wake of the executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump on January 20, granting TikTok a temporary reprieve from a proposed ban by the Biden administration. At that time, Trump suggested a deal that would involve a 50-50 partnership, allowing an American company to share ownership with ByteDance, TikTok's parent company.

Following Trump's inauguration, TikTok briefly went offline, resulting in the app's removal from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Services were restored within hours, but the apps remained inaccessible until mid-February.

ByteDance has received various acquisition offers, including bids from Microsoft, Elon Musk, and a consortium of independent investors including YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as Mr. Beast. Since TikTok's ban lift, Trump has remained positive about the possibility of TikTok being sold, either partially or entirely, to a U.S.-based company.

However, ByteDance has not issued any official commentary beyond a message from Shou Zi Chew, TikTok's CEO, who expressed gratitude towards Trump for assisting in their efforts to uphold the “constitutional right of free speech” for over 170 million users. Therefore, the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains ambiguous, prompting Meta to compete for users, particularly in regions like India where TikTok has been prohibited.

Another Standalone App by Meta

In addition, Meta recently introduced another standalone app called Edits, designed specifically for creators who primarily produce videos on their mobile devices. Beyond video editing and sharing capabilities, Edits features additional tools not available in the Instagram app, such as an enhanced camera for the iPhone and an Inspiration tab to help creators stay current with trends.

With these functionalities, Edits presents itself as a rival to CapCut, a ByteDance app aimed at TikTok video creation. In 2023, Meta also unveiled Threads, a separate app linked to Instagram that functions independently, providing a feed similar to that of X.

For a large corporation like Meta, managing different applications within specific portfolios may enhance operational efficiency. However, the dual-app approach could potentially confuse users and might lead them to abandon one of the applications altogether.