Instagram Could Spin Off Reels Into a Standalone App to Rival TikTok

Instagram might be making a bold move to reshape the short-form video landscape. Reports suggest the company is considering launching Reels as a separate app, possibly to capitalize on TikTok’s uncertain future in the United States.

Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head, reportedly mentioned the idea to employees this week, according to The Information (via). While Meta hasn’t officially confirmed the plan, the timing makes sense. With TikTok constantly under political scrutiny in the US, Meta seems to be preparing for a future where users might look for a familiar alternative.

A Second Shot at a TikTok Competitor

If this sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Back in 2018, Meta launched Lasso, a standalone short-form video app meant to rival TikTok. It didn’t take off, and Meta eventually shut it down. But a lot has changed since then.

Reels, unlike Lasso, already has a solid user base within Instagram. It’s a core part of the app, used by influencers, brands, and casual users alike. A standalone Reels app wouldn’t be starting from scratch—it would be giving an already popular feature more room to grow.

Meta’s Push Into Video Editing

This isn’t the only sign that Meta is taking short-form video seriously. In January, the company introduced Edits, a video-editing app that seems aimed at competing with CapCut, the editing tool owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.

With these moves, Meta is clearly doubling down on video. If Reels does break off into its own app, it could mean more powerful editing tools, better discovery features, and a stronger push to lure creators away from TikTok.

Will Users Actually Switch?

The big question is whether people would actually download and use a separate Reels app. Instagram’s strength is that it keeps everything—photos, Stories, DMs, and Reels—all in one place. Would users really want another app just for Reels?

On the other hand, TikTok has proven that people love a dedicated space for short-form video. If Meta can create an experience that’s more than just Reels pulled out of Instagram—maybe with better discovery, more creator tools, or exclusive content—it might just work.

For now, it’s all speculation. But one thing’s clear: Meta isn’t done trying to dominate the short-form video world. Whether that means a Reels app or something else, TikTok isn’t the only player in town.