TikTok is reportedly developing a new still image app to compete with Instagram, Ednews informs via Search Engine Land.

Eagle-eyed observers have spotted new references to “TikTok Photos” within the back-end code of the app.

The code appears to suggest that TikTok users will soon start receiving prompts, encouraging them to share still images in the new app to “reach like-minded people who enjoy photo posts,” according to The SpAndroid.

If TikTok launches a rival to Instagram, it could offer marketers another chance to reach and connect with Gen Z, given TikTok’s popularity among this demographic.

In the backend code of TikTok, developers have spotted a new welcome message hinting at the possible existence of the reported Instagram competitor, that reads:

“TikTok Photos will be launched soon, we hope to help you gain new audiences in the new app. If the switch is on, we’ll sync your public photos to the new app, whether you close the pop-up or not.”

The news comes after TikTok launched a dedicated “photo mode” for still images in-stream in 2022. The platform said at the time:

“Photo Mode allows you to share carousel posts of still images that automatically display one after another. You can add music to soundtrack the images, which viewers can swipe through at their own pace.”

More recently, TikTok has also been encouraging users to share more still images, saying this content has the potential to generate more comments, likes and shares.

Moreover, with TikTok facing a possible ban in the US, it’s logical for ByteDance to accelerate the launch of a new platform before any potential ban takes effect.