Instagram is looking to TikTok once again for inspiration. TechCrunch reports that the leading social media platform is potentially developing a new ‘Vertical Stories’ feature in order to compete with TikTok. At present, Instagram users view stories by tapping and swiping horizontally along the top of the app’s interface. However, the redesign would arrange stories into a vertical feed format – the same one used by TikTok.
This new development hints at Instagram’s goal to prioritize video over static content and to position itself competitively against TikTok. Instagram’s launch of its ‘Reels’ feature also fits in with its video-focused content strategy.
Instagram exclusively confirmed to TechCrunch that the new feature is being built but is undecided whether it will be released to the public. The feature’s development was first brought to public attention after developer Alessandro Paluzzi spotted it in Instagram’s code. Paluzzi tweeted on February 2:
#Instagram is working on Vertical Stories
Swipe up and down to browse stories. pic.twitter.com/LDJje8l137— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) February 2, 2021
Instagram is not the only platform attempting to steal ideas from TikTok. Snapchat’s Spotlight – which provides an endless feed of personalized, short-form video to users – is a copycat feature stolen from TikTok.
Introducing Spotlight
The best of Snapchat. Sit back and take it all in, or submit your video Snaps and you could earn a share of more than $1,000,000 a day. Happy Snapping!https://t.co/U7eG7VNJqk pic.twitter.com/mxGWuDSdQk
— Snapchat (@Snapchat) November 23, 2020
Cloning features is nothing new when it comes to social media platforms. Facebook – in particular – has been known to steal ideas from other apps including Snapchat and newcomer Clubhouse. It is becoming abundantly clear that the oldies like Instagram and Facebook are worried about becoming irrelevant with the younger gen-z audience. Therefore – it makes sense that new brands like TikTok are becoming the go-to platform for theft.