Instagram is reportedly exploring the idea of launching its short-form video feature, Reels, as a separate app. This move comes as the future of TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, remains uncertain in the United States.

According to a report by The Information, Instagram's head, Adam Mosseri, discussed the potential move with staff this week. The parent company, Meta, has not yet commented on the matter.

The uncertainty surrounding TikTok stems from a law signed by former President Donald Trump and extended by President Joe Biden, which requires TikTok to either be sold or banned in the U.S. The Biden administration has raised concerns that TikTok could be used by China for spying and political manipulation, given its 170 million U.S. users. Opponents of the ban argue that it infringes on freedom of speech.

In 2018, Meta launched a standalone app called Lasso to compete with TikTok, but it was later shut down. The potential launch of a separate Reels app could be Meta's latest attempt to capture the short-form video market.