Instagram is reportedly exploring the possibility of launching its short-form video feature, Reels, as a standalone app, as questions loom over the future of TikTok in the United States.
According to a report by The Information, Instagram’s head Adam Mosseri shared the potential move with staff this week. However, Instagram’s parent company, Meta, has yet to officially comment on the matter.
Concerns over TikTok’s ownership by China-based ByteDance have fueled ongoing tensions in the US. The Biden administration has pushed for either a sale of the platform or an outright ban, citing national security risks, including the potential for data misuse and political manipulation.
Although former President Donald Trump had granted TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with US regulations, details on a proposed solution—such as a joint venture between ByteDance and a US-based entity—remain unclear.
While opponents of a ban argue that shutting down TikTok would infringe on free speech, the platform’s massive US user base of 170 million makes its fate a significant topic of debate.
Meta has previously attempted to challenge TikTok’s dominance. In 2018, the company launched a standalone short-video app called Lasso, but it was eventually discontinued. The potential separation of Reels into its own app suggests a renewed push by Meta to compete more aggressively in the short-form video space.
If Instagram moves forward with the standalone Reels app, it could mark a strategic shift in how Meta positions itself in the rapidly evolving social media landscape.
