TikTok could well be working on a concept very similar to some of its competitors, since the Chinese giant is likely considering launching a special application letting you share your photos, like Instagram.
TikTok is preparing to make a strategic shift that could redefine its position in the competitive landscape. Faced with legislative pressure and the looming threat of a nationwide ban in the United States, TikTok isn’t just playing the defense card. The platform is reportedly preparing to launch “TikTok Photos”, a new application that could challenge Instagram’s dominance in the field of photo sharing.
The discovery of TikTok Photos is by AssembleDebug, a code analyst known for discovering hidden features in Google apps. His blog, TheSpAndroid, details the discoveries made in the latest APK from TikTok which portend the imminent arrival of this new application. The snippets suggest seamless integration with the existing TikTok ecosystem, allowing users to share and sync their photos across both platforms.
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TikTok Photos could well dethrone Instagram
TikTok’s foray into photo sharing is a clear signal of its intention to expand beyond short-form video content. This initiative is considered a direct response to Instagram’s Reels, which have encroached on TikTok’s territory. By launching “TikTok Photos”, the company counter-attack by targeting the core functionality of Instagram.
Currently, TikTok’s interface merges photos and videos, which can result in a cluttered user experience. TikTok Photos promises a better structured space for still images, which could improve user engagement and content discovery. Given the huge community already present on TikTok, Instagram may well experience a short-term decline in popularity.
Visual cues from TikTok Photos’ leaked home screen icon reveal design continuity with the main app, but with a distinct identity symbolized by a stylized “P”. It would therefore be immediately recognizable to current users of the main TikTok application.
