Instagram Wants to Make Reels a Separate App, Challenging TikTok?

Instagram plans to separate its short video feature, Reels, into a standalone app. This information was first revealed by The Information, citing a statement from an Instagram employee who heard a presentation by Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri.

This move is seen as Meta's strategy to capitalize on the uncertainty surrounding TikTok's status in the United States. Reels itself is similar to TikTok. Previously, Meta had also released an app called Edits, which functions as a video editor similar to CapCut by ByteDance.

In fact, Instagram previously tried to launch a TikTok competitor through the Lasso app in 2018, but it failed to attract users and was eventually shut down. This strategy was also evident in Instagram's competition with Twitter (now X) through the launch of Threads, which allows Instagram users to automatically have an account on the platform.

Also read: How To Grow Instagram Followers Organically

TikTok's Status in the US Remains Uncertain

TikTok's presence in the United States is still uncertain. On January 19, 2025, the app experienced a brief shutdown for several hours. However, newly inaugurated President Donald Trump immediately issued an executive order to delay the permanent ban on TikTok for 90 days to allow further negotiations.

Trump expressed his desire for TikTok to remain operational in the US, but with the condition that 50% of TikTok's ownership in the country must be held by US investors. He has even launched a sovereign wealth fund (SWF) that aims, in part, to purchase TikTok’s operations in the US.

Recently, Reuters reported that Trump has been in talks with China about TikTok's future. In a meeting with reporters aboard Air Force One on February 19, 2025, Trump mentioned that the US government is acting as an intermediary in the process of selling TikTok. Major companies like Oracle, Amazon, and Microsoft have reportedly shown interest in taking over TikTok's operations in the US.

Also read: Instagram Cares Bullying Victims, Strengthens Anti-bullying Features