Instagram May Launch a Standalone Reels App Amid TikTok Controversy

As TikTok faces growing challenges in the United States, Instagram is reportedly seizing the opportunity by exploring the launch of a dedicated app for its short-form video feature, Reels. According to reports from The Information, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri recently hinted at this potential development in internal discussions. This move comes as TikTok's future in the US remains uncertain due to government scrutiny and possible regulatory actions.

Meta’s Strategy of Launching Standalone Apps

Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has previously experimented with launching independent apps to compete with rival platforms. In January 2024, Meta introduced Edits, a video-editing app designed to challenge TikTok-owned CapCut. Similarly, in 2018, the company rolled out Lasso, a standalone short-video app aimed at competing with TikTok, though it was discontinued due to limited user adoption. Now, with TikTok facing regulatory hurdles, Meta appears ready to leverage this situation by offering a dedicated Reels experience through a separate app.

Why is TikTok Facing a Ban in the US?

The US government has long raised concerns about TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, and its alleged connections to the Chinese government. Authorities fear that the app may collect sensitive user data, including location, phone records, and private messages, potentially posing a national security risk. This concern has led to repeated calls for ByteDance to divest TikTok’s US operations or face a ban.

The TikTok Ban Timeline in the US

The issue of a TikTok ban has been ongoing for several years, with US officials demanding that ByteDance either sell its US operations or comply with stricter data security regulations. The Supreme Court upheld a decision enforcing a TikTok ban on January 19, 2025, marking a critical point in the app's operations within the country.

Temporary Suspension of the Ban

However, within just 24 hours of the Supreme Court ruling, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order delaying the ban for 75 days. This move allowed time for negotiations, seeking a resolution that would mitigate national security risks while avoiding significant disruption for millions of American TikTok users. The suspension provided ByteDance a chance to either divest TikTok’s US division or implement measures to satisfy government concerns.

ByteDance’s Response and TikTok’s Future

During the suspension period, TikTok has undergone structural changes, including laying off members of its global trust and safety team responsible for content moderation and security. These layoffs have sparked debates over TikTok's commitment to addressing the privacy and security concerns raised by US regulators.

Public sentiment regarding TikTok remains divided. A recent survey revealed that 77% of Americans are concerned about TikTok's Chinese ownership, while 63% support either a full ban or a forced sale to American investors.

Will TikTok Remain in the US Market?

As the 75-day suspension nears its expiration in April 2025, negotiations between ByteDance and US authorities continue. The final decision will determine whether TikTok can continue operating in the United States or face another potential shutdown. Meanwhile, Instagram’s potential move to introduce a standalone Reels app could reshape the short-video market, offering users an alternative should TikTok face further restrictions.

Conclusion

As TikTok’s future in the US remains uncertain due to government scrutiny and national security concerns, Instagram is positioning itself to capitalize on the potential void by launching a standalone Reels app. Meta’s history of developing independent apps to compete with rivals suggests that this move could be a strategic effort to dominate the short-form video market if TikTok is banned or restricted.

With ByteDance facing pressure to divest TikTok’s US operations and public opinion largely favoring stricter regulations, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether TikTok can maintain its presence in the country. Meanwhile, Instagram’s potential new app could offer an alternative for creators and users, reshaping the social media landscape. Whether TikTok survives the regulatory battle or Instagram’s Reels app gains traction, the short-video space is set for significant changes in 2025.