Instagram is reportedly considering launching Reels as a separate app, a move aimed at competing with TikTok, as uncertainty looms over the Chinese-owned platform's future in the US.

Instagram’s Reels Expansion Plan

According to a report Instagram chief Adam Mosseri shared details of the potential move with staff this week. The report cited a source who was present during the discussion. However, Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has not yet commented on the matter.

Why Now? The TikTok Ban Debate

The decision comes as the US government continues to push for a sale or ban of TikTok due to national security concerns.

• In January, former President Donald Trump extended TikTok’s deadline for compliance with a law signed by President Joe Biden that mandates a sale or ban of the platform.

• The Biden administration has expressed fears that TikTok, which boasts 170 million US users, could be exploited by China for spying and political manipulation.

• Opponents argue that banning TikTok could infringe on freedom of speech.

Meta’s Previous Attempt at a TikTok Rival

This is not Meta’s first effort to compete with TikTok. In 2018, the company launched Lasso, a standalone short-video app, which was eventually shut down. Now, with Reels emerging as Instagram’s leading short-video feature, Meta may be preparing for a fresh push into the short-form video market.

If the Reels app becomes a reality, it could mark a major shift in Instagram’s strategy—potentially reshaping the social media landscape.

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