Michelle ThompsonInstagram is reportedly exploring the idea of launching Reels as a separate app, potentially positioning it as a rival to TikTok amid ongoing uncertainty about the Chinese-owned platform’s future in the US.
According to The Information, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri recently discussed the possibility with staff. However, Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has not yet commented on the matter.
The uncertainty surrounding TikTok stems from US government concerns over data security. In January, former President Donald Trump granted the platform a 75-day extension to comply with a law signed by President Joe Biden, requiring its sale or ban. Trump suggested a potential 50-50 joint venture between the US and ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, but provided no further details.
The Biden administration has argued that TikTok’s 170 million US users could make it a tool for surveillance or political influence by China. However, opponents of a ban cite freedom of speech as a key reason to keep the platform accessible.
Meta previously attempted to compete with TikTok by launching a standalone app called Lasso in 2018, but it was later discontinued.
Emily Martinez
