- By Prateek Levi
- Thu, 27 Feb 2025 03:31 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Instagram Rells App: The TikTok ban has been one of the most talked about topics in the industry lately and many of its competitors have seized the opportunity and come out with their own plan of actions to capitalize on it. Similarly, Instagram is reportedly considering the launch of a new standalone platform just for reels, as per The Information cited Instagram's chief, Adam Mosseri's statement to its staff. Its parent company Meta is in the hope of extracting the maximum out of its current situation in the U.S. and potentially gaining some ground in the ever-growing short video social media market.
According to the report, the new app will resemble TikTok, offering a similar video-scrolling experience but with a more focused approach on Reels. This move aligns with Meta's strategy, as Instagram has increasingly prioritized video content in recent years, moving away from its origins as an image-sharing platform.
Additionally, many countries including India and parts of Europe have already engaged in an effective ban of TikTok, and this can further incentivize Meta's move, if we get to see one. But one thing to keep in mind is the transition issue, as many users are already using Instagram reels and have an established network there itself. The future of Insta reels also hangs in balance, whether it will continue or will be shut down because of this new platform.
While Meta has not officially confirmed the development of the app, this appears to be a strategic effort to bolster Instagram’s position in the short-video space, especially as TikTok faces regulatory challenges. With ongoing scrutiny, it remains uncertain whether TikTok will continue to operate in the United States or face another potential ban.
A new Edits application was also introduced previously by Meta, that enabled users to edit their videos, which was a clear indication of rising competition with TikTok. TikTok was also challenged by Meta in 2018 when the latter launched Lasso as a standalone video editing app. It was eventually shut down. Currently, there is no confirmed timeline hinting at the platform's possible release, so I guess we just have to wait for now.