Instagram might launch separate Reels app to tackle TikTok

Instagram is reportedly contemplating launching its short-form video characteristic, Reels, as a separate app as the way forward for Chinese language-owned TikTok stays unsure within the US.

The social media platform’s boss Adam Mosseri advised workers concerning the potential transfer this week, in keeping with expertise business–centered enterprise publication The Data, which cited an individual who heard the remarks.

Instagram’s mum or dad firm Meta didn’t instantly reply to a BBC request for remark.

In January, US President Donald Trump granted TikTok a 75-day extension to adjust to a regulation signed by then-President Joe Biden that requires a sale or ban of the platform.

On the time, he floated the potential for a three way partnership operating the corporate, saying he was searching for a 50-50 partnership between “the USA” and its Chinese language proprietor ByteDance. However he didn’t give any additional particulars on how that may work.

The Biden administration had argued that TikTok, which has 170 million US customers, could possibly be utilized by China as a instrument for spying and political manipulation.

Opponents of a ban have cited freedom of speech as a motive for preserving the platform open.

In 2018, Meta launched a standalone app known as Lasso to compete with TikTok nevertheless it was later shut down.