TikTok is a strong contender against Instagram in the realm of videos.
Even though TikTok focuses on videos, Instagram still allows users to post photos on their feed and share Stories that last 24 hours. It appears that TikTok is developing a new app to rival Instagram’s photo feed.
New TikTok Photos App in Development
According to TheSpAndroid (via Matt Navarra), the most recent version of the TikTok app contains code that mentions a new “TikTok Photos” app. According to the information gathered by the website, this new app appears to closely resemble Instagram, featuring a feed for users to share photos with loved ones.
The messages from TheSpAndroid encourage users to test out the new TikTok Photos app. Users will have the ability to share content from the main TikTok app to the Photos app. One more string characterizes the app as a platform to connect with individuals who share similar interests in photo posts.
There is no specific information available regarding the release date and location of TikTok Photos, but it seems likely that an official announcement will be made shortly. Following numerous complaints from creators, Instagram has shifted its focus towards video content, potentially straying from its original purpose as a platform for sharing photos.
If this is accurate, TikTok may leverage its significant influence in the short video category to introduce its new photo application.
Potential TikTok Ban in the United States
Simultaneously, TikTok Photos could pose a challenge for ByteDance, the company that operates the platform. This week, the United States House of Representatives will be voting on a bill that may result in TikTok being banned from the US. Last Friday, President Joe Biden stated to the press that he would sign the bill if Congress passes it.
Responding to Biden’s statement, TikTok argues that the US government is trying to deprive 170 million Americans of their Constitutional right to free expression by seeking to ban the platform in the country. The government has alleged that ByteDance, a Chinese company, is using TikTok to distribute user data from around the world to the Chinese government.
