New York — Instagram, long considered a cornerstone of social media, is undergoing a transformation as it seeks to compete with TikTok, the platform that has redefined short-form video content. Over the past few days, Instagram has unveiled a series of updates designed to capture TikTok’s audience, particularly during a period of uncertainty surrounding the latter’s future in the United States.
On Sunday, Meta, Instagram’s parent company, announced the launch of Edits, a new video-editing app that closely resembles ByteDance’s CapCut. Widely used by TikTok creators, CapCut has become a staple for producing polished, professional videos. By introducing Edits, Meta aims to offer creators a comparable tool that integrates seamlessly into Instagram’s ecosystem while also appealing to those who create content across multiple platforms.
The updates did not stop there. Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head, revealed on Friday that the app’s profile photo grids will adopt a rectangular format, replacing the iconic square layout that has been a hallmark of Instagram since its inception. This change is more than cosmetic; it aligns Instagram’s design with TikTok’s, reflecting a deliberate effort to attract users familiar with the latter’s interface.
On Saturday, Mosseri addressed another critical update: an extension of Reels’ video length. Previously capped at 90 seconds, Reels can now run up to three minutes, a change inspired by TikTok’s push for longer-form content in 2023. Mosseri acknowledged the importance of this shift in an Instagram post, stating, “Our community has told us that 90 seconds isn’t always enough to share their stories. By increasing the limit, we’re giving creators more space to connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.”
These announcements coincided with a tumultuous period for TikTok. On Saturday night, the platform, along with its companion editing app CapCut, became temporarily inaccessible to U.S. users due to a new law aimed at banning the app. This presented an opening for Instagram to attract disenchanted users. However, the window was brief; former President Donald Trump declared on Sunday his intent to issue an executive order reinstating TikTok, restoring its functionality within hours.
While the timing may not have fully worked in Instagram’s favor, the unveiling of Edits underscores Meta’s long-term strategy to compete directly with TikTok. In a video shared on Instagram, Mosseri emphasized the broader implications of the app’s launch, stating, “Our mission is to provide creators with the most powerful tools available, not just for Instagram but for any platform they choose.” Although Edits is already available in app stores, its full functionality will not roll out until February, adding intrigue to its introduction.
Instagram’s recent changes are part of an ongoing response to TikTok’s dominance. Since its debut in 2020, TikTok has reshaped the social media landscape, drawing users away from platforms like Instagram and forcing them to innovate rapidly. Instagram’s introduction of Reels in August 2020 was one of its earliest attempts to combat this trend, but the competition has only intensified as new players enter the market.
Amid TikTok’s legal and regulatory challenges, other alternatives, such as RedNote, have emerged as viable options, experiencing a surge in downloads during TikTok’s brief shutdown. This underscores the fragmented nature of the social media industry, where users are increasingly willing to explore new platforms rather than rely on established giants.
As Instagram continues to adapt, its latest updates highlight a willingness to evolve in response to user demands and market trends. By aligning its features with the needs of creators and introducing tools like Edits, Meta positions Instagram as a dynamic competitor in a field defined by rapid change and intense rivalry.
