Instagram Might Launch a Separate App for Reels Amid TikTok’s Uncertain Future: Report

Highlights

• Instagram may launch a separate app for Reels amid TikTok’s uncertain future in the US.

• This move could attract more users to Reels with TikTok facing regulatory challenges.
• Instagram faced criticism for showing users violent and explicit Reels content, which has since been addressed.

Instagram is reportedly considering launching a standalone app for Reels, possibly taking advantage of TikTok’s uncertain situation in the US. While there’s no official confirmation yet, discussions around the “Reels app” have begun.

According to a report from The Information, Instagram head Adam Mosseri told employees that a separate app for Reels is under consideration. However, it’s unclear whether Reels will remain on Instagram or move entirely to the new app.

This move could help Instagram attract more users to Reels, especially since TikTok was briefly banned in the US and is now facing a 75-day deadline to comply with new laws.

Reels have become a major part of Instagram, with the platform heavily prioritising short-form video content. Instagram even launched a video editing app for Reels called Edits, which many saw as a direct competitor to the editing app called CapCut owned by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance.

Meanwhile, Instagram is under fire for showing users Reels with violent and explicit content even when their algorithm preferences don’t align with such videos. Some users reported seeing extreme violence and uncensored adult content even after selecting the “Not Interested” option.

Meta has since acknowledged and fixed the issue, according to CNBC. There’s also an option to reset the algorithm, but it’s unclear if all users are still experiencing the problem.

With TikTok’s future in the US uncertain, Instagram could be making a strategic move by giving Reels its own platform. We expect more details might emerge soon.

FAQs

Q1. Is Instagram planning to launch a standalone app for Reels?

Answer. Instagram is reportedly considering launching a standalone app for Reels, but there is no official confirmation yet.

Q2. Why might Instagram launch a separate app for Reels?

Answer. Launching a separate app for Reels could help Instagram attract more users, especially given TikTok’s uncertain situation in the US.

Q3. What content issue has Instagram faced with Reels?

Answer. Instagram has faced criticism for showing users violent and explicit Reels content, even when their algorithm preferences didn’t align with such videos. Meta has since acknowledged and fixed the issue.

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