TikTok, the popular short-form video-sharing platform, is reportedly developing a new photo-sharing app called “TikTok Notes” to compete with Instagram and expand its social media presence. Several users have recently shared screenshots of a TikTok notification they received, informing them that “TikTok Notes, a new app for photo posts, is coming soon!”
According to the notification, photos shared on TikTok will be automatically shared on TikTok Notes when the app launches, but users have the option to opt out of this feature. The message states, “Your existing and future public TikTok photo posts will be shown on TikTok Notes. If you prefer not to share your public TikTok photo posts on TikTok Notes, turn this off now.”
TechCrunch, which first reported on the screenshots, also discovered a marketing splash page at photos.tiktok.com, which is owned by TikTok. The page features a compilation of three photos with captions and the phrase “Opening in TikTok Notes” along with an “Open App” button, although the button is currently not functional.
When contacted by TechCrunch, TikTok confirmed that it is working on the app but clarified that it is not yet available. A company spokesperson stated, “As part of our continued commitment to innovating the TikTok experience, we’re exploring ways to empower our community to create and share their creativity with photos and text in a dedicated space for those formats.” However, TikTok did not provide further details about the app.
This development comes after an app researcher uncovered last month that TikTok was working on a photo-sharing app, initially named “TikTok Photos.” Despite the dubious icon resembling the PayPal logo in TikTok colors, the name made sense as it implied a TikTok platform specifically for photos.
The choice of the name “TikTok Notes” has raised some confusion, as “Notes” typically conveys the presence of text, which seems odd for a platform aiming to compete with Instagram, which is primarily focused on visual content. Interestingly, Instagram also has a feature called “Instagram Notes,” which are mini tweets that appear like stories in the app’s messages section.
While TikTok has seen tremendous success in the short-form video domain, the company faces a significant challenge in establishing a strong presence in the photo-sharing market, which is currently dominated by Instagram. The confusion surrounding the “TikTok Notes” name and its similarity to an existing Instagram feature may further complicate TikTok’s efforts to differentiate itself and attract users to its new platform.
As TikTok continues to explore new ways to innovate and expand its offerings, the success of “TikTok Notes” will depend on the company’s ability to create a compelling and unique user experience that sets it apart from its competitors. The social media landscape is constantly evolving, and TikTok’s foray into photo-sharing will be closely watched by industry experts and users alike.
