Newsletter
TikTok is ready to take on Instagram in photo sharing with its new app, TikTok Notes. The company sent out a notification to users, informing them that it would soon be rolling out this new app focused on photo posts. Users’ existing public photo posts on TikTok would be shared in TikTok Notes by default. However, they will be able to opt out of having their images shared on the new platform.
When TechCrunch investigated further, it discovered a temporary website at photo.tiktok.com that showed what the TikTok Notes interface might look like. It appeared that users would be able to upload photos and write captions to accompany their images. This suggests that TikTok Notes is aiming to compete directly with the Meta-owned app.
TikTok Notes targets Instagram with automatic profile imports
In a statement, a TikTok spokesperson confirmed that the company is “exploring ways for creators to showcase photos and text” within its ecosystem. However, they did not provide a timeline for the launch. This is in line with earlier findings from the Android app code, which indicated that TikTok was working on a standalone “TikTok Photos” app last month.
This app was first discovered via an APK deep dive into the latest version of the app. Version 33.8.4 of the TikTok app contained notes that hinted at an app called TikTok Photos. But newer signs suggest it will be called TikTok Notes.
Now, with in-app notifications and a temporary website, it’s clear that TikTok Notes could be the official name. By pre-populating the new app with users’ existing TikTok photos, TikTok Notes could quickly gain a large initial user base. By allowing it to transfer its audience from TikTok, TikTok Notes also has the potential to compete with Instagram.
Meanwhile, TikTok seems to be incentivizing creators to start posting horizontal videos that are over a minute long. Creators like @candicedchap and @kenlyealtumbiz have received such a request. In the prompt, TikTok says it will “boost” such videos within 72 hours of posting.