TikTok, a popular short-video social media platform, is reportedly considering creating a photo app that could rival Instagram's platform.
The news comes as a technology researcher who analyzed the most recent update of the company discovered hidden code that suggests the existence of a forthcoming app that is so far known as "TikTok Photos."
Potential TikTok Photos App
The potential new app could be capable of overcoming certain constraints of the existing system. It is where users upload images in the form of slideshow videos. The new "TikTok Photos" proposes a new, specialized platform for users to share photos. It would provide them with a more authentic and seamless experience.
The leaked code also included references to functionalities that could assist TikTok users in growing their audience and simplifying the process. One example is a potential system that would connect users with similar interests in photography. According to Mashable, this would allow them to engage with larger photo-centric communities.
Additionally, the code suggested that an additional feature could enable the synchronization of existing TikTok photos to the new application. This would eliminate the necessity of uploading the pictures once more.
Leaked icons also suggested a design that aligns with the original TikTok app's color scheme, which indicates a familiar appearance for current platform users.
Despite the leak, the new app's exact release date and availability in various regions remain unclear. However, the discovery suggests that "TikTok Photos" will soon be available for Android and iOS devices. It remains to be seen whether or not a web version of the rumored app will be released.
TikTok's potential new endeavor comes as it has continued to penetrate Instagram's user base. This has resulted in the latter allocating more resources to new endeavors, said Android Headlines.
Banning TikTok in the U.S.
The new app comes as TikTok has become synonymous with video content creation and popularized the vertically scrolling video feed when it came into the scene years ago. It has not become one of the largest video-sharing platforms worldwide.
The leak comes as TikTok has been facing mounting legal pressure from the United States government, as officials are considering banning the app altogether. Lawmakers in the U.S., Europe, and Canada have escalated efforts over the last year to restrict access to the application, citing security threats.
In February last year, the White House told federal agencies that they would have a 30-day period to delete the app from government devices. Additionally, various cities have already barred government workers from downloading TikTok.
Recently, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced a bill that calls on TikTok to cut ties with its parent company within six months. If this is not complied with, the app will be banned in the United States.
A full House vote on the matter could happen in the middle of the month and the White House has endorsed the new bill that was put forward, according to the New York Times.
Related Article: Trump Warns Against TikTok Ban as Congress Set To Push Bill Through
