TikTok has announced its plans to step into the realm of photo-sharing, directly competing with its social media counterpart, Instagram.
The company revealed its development of a specialized platform for sharing images and text, aiming to carve out its own niche in the crowded social media landscape.
Some TikTok users have already received notifications informing them that their photo posts will automatically migrate to a new platform dubbed “TikTok Notes,” unless they choose to opt out.
This move reflects the ongoing trend of social media giants emulating each other’s features, reminiscent of Instagram’s introduction of Reels, a TikTok-inspired video tool, back in 2020.
According to Mike Proulx, a research director at analysis firm Forrester, this imitation strategy can yield significant dividends if executed effectively, citing Instagram’s successful adoption of Snapchat’s “Stories” feature as a prime example. However, Proulx also cautioned against assuming guaranteed success, citing Twitter’s failed attempt at replicating a similar move.
Instagram’s recent efforts to prioritize Reels within its platform have sparked discontent among some users. Influential figures like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner voiced their concerns by sharing a petition denouncing changes that appeared to favor Reels over other features. In response to the backlash, Instagram ultimately reversed these alterations, underscoring the delicate balance social media platforms must strike between innovation and user satisfaction.
