TikTok tests photo-sharing app to rival Instagram

Image: TikTok | Edited: Canadian Reviewer

TikTok is developing a new app, possibly called TikTok Notes, to compete with Instagram in the photo-sharing space. Screenshots from users and confirmation from TikTok reveal the app's existence, though it's not yet available.

Pop-up notifications within the TikTok app inform users about the upcoming "TikTok Notes" app and allow them to opt out of syncing their existing photos.

"We're exploring ways to empower our community to create and share their creativity with photos and text in a dedicated space for those formats," a TikTok spokesperson told TechCrunch, highlighting their focus on expanding creative formats.

Further evidence comes from a TikTok-owned URL (photo.tiktok.com) displaying a placeholder for "TikTok Notes." Previously leaked code also hinted at a "TikTok Photos" app, suggesting a name change might be underway.

This move reflects the growing rivalry between TikTok and Meta (Facebook and Instagram's parent company) in the social media landscape. While TikTok ventures into photos, Meta is testing a vertical video player for Facebook, mirroring TikTok's format.

TikTok is also experimenting with broader content formats, including longer videos and text-based features like X and Threads.

Source