TikTok Photos Revealed Via Code Leak, Potentially Instagram’s Direct Competitor

TikTok Photos Revealed Via Code Leak, Potentially Instagram’s Direct Competitor

While TikTok and Instagram are similar in some ways – where Instagram took inspiration and introduced Reels, and TikTok has a Photo Mode that pretty much behaves like a normal Instagram post. The latter part is where things get interesting, as TheSpAndroid has found references to a full-fledged app that brings this function into a standalone platform.

References to the app have indicated that it’ll be called “TikTok Photos”, and existing TikTok users can sync their posts directly into the new app and get started right away. The outlet’s writer/leaker who goes by the name of AssembleDebug has found strings of code that point to TikTok Photos in version 33.8.4 of the TikTok app. Aside from code, the leaker has also revealed the logo of the new app, which looks like this:

Image: TheSpAndroid

Furthermore, hidden text strings have also hinted at the possible imminent launch of the new app. The string reads (formatted):

TikTok Photos will be launched soon, we hope to help you gain new audiences in the new app

If the switch is on, we’ll sync your public photos to the new app, whether you close the pop-up or not.

However, there’s no indication of what specific timeframe the new app will be launched worldwide or a gradual rollout in specific regions. It’ll be available to iOS and Android when it launches, though it’s unclear if a web version is on the plans.

Pokdepinion: Looks like ByteDance is fighting Meta straight-on. It remains to be seen if TikTok may end up corroding Instagram’s userbase in the long run.