TikTok, the reigning champion of short-form video, may be setting its sights on a new domain: Instagram’s traditional photo-sharing space.
Recent code leaks suggest that TikTok is developing a standalone app, potentially named “TikTok Photos,” designed around a photo-based feed.
This unexpected move has enormous implications for both platforms and the larger social media landscape.
Leaked code reveals TikTok Photos
While an official announcement from TikTok is still pending, tech insiders have uncovered substantial evidence buried within TikTok’s codebase.
According to TheSpAndroid, Tiktok version 33.8.4’s APK file has the following code strings inside it:
<string name="k0l">Open TikTok Photos</string>
<string name="k0m">Get TikTok Photos</string>
<string name="k0n">Share this post to TikTok Photos</string>
<string name="k0o">Share</string>
<string name="k0p">Your post has been shared to TikTok Photos</string>
<string name="k0q">TikTok Photos</string>
<string name="k0r">On TikTok Photos</string>
<string name="k0s">Share to TikTok Photos</string>
<string name="k0u">Reach other like-minded people who enjoy photo posts.</string>
<string name="k0v">Share photo posts to TikTok Photos</string>The leaked code also has the following text: “TikTok Photos will be launched soon, we hope to help you gain new audiences in the new app \n\n If the switch is on, we’ll sync your public photos to the new app, whether you close the pop-up or not”.
These discoveries paint a picture of an Instagram-like experience focused on sharing photos and connecting with like-minded users.
Should TikTok challenge Instagram on its own game?
TikTok’s meteoric rise has been largely attributed to its video-first format and trend-driven content. So, why venture into the seemingly well-defended territory of Instagram, especially since a ban on TikTok for US users is in the talks?
Instagram has faced increasing criticism from its core user base. Many photographers and creators are frustrated by Instagram’s relentless push into video formats, often at the expense of the traditional photo-sharing experience that built the app. TikTok likely sees an opportunity to provide a haven for those seeking a photo-centric platform.
Apart from that, TikTok understands the power of its brand and the loyalty of its audience. That’s why the Social Media Benchmarks report states that TikTok is still the best platform for a high engagement rate.
Creating a dedicated photo-sharing app keeps those users within the larger TikTok environment and allows for seamless content cross-posting between the main TikTok app and the hypothetical TikTok Photos.
How can it be successful?
TikTok Photos needs to offer more than just a refuge for disillusioned Instagram users. Here’s where TikTok’s strengths could translate to the photo-sharing world:
- Trend-based photo challenges: TikTok excels at driving viral trends. Imagine photo-focused challenges with dedicated hashtags and editing tools – this could spark unique ways for users to interact with images
- Music-infused photo editing: TikTok could integrate its vast music library with photo editing tools. Users might animate still images with soundtracks or create music-driven slideshows
- Remix culture adapted: TikTok’s ‘duet’ and ‘stitch’ features revolutionized video interaction. A photo-based equivalent could allow users to creatively repurpose each other’s images, adding a new layer of community interaction
Yet, one thing is certain: TikTok’s interest in the photo-sharing market has the potential to redefine the competition among social media giants.
Featured image credit: Solen Feyissa/Unsplash.
