ByteDance, the parent company behind TikTok, has quietly launched a new app called 'Whee' on the Google Play Store.
This new application closely resembles Instagram, emphasizing how users can "keep you connected with your close friends through life's spontaneous moments."
ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, has quietly launched Whee, an Instagram-like app focusing on sharing photos with close friends. The app is currently available only in select countries, excluding the US.Image via Google
New TikTok App Spotted in the Wild
TikTok's latest app Whee was first spotted by Artem Russakovskii and is now available for download on Android devices, but only in select countries.
Notably, the app is not available in the United States, limiting its reach to approximately a dozen other markets. Android Authority reports that attempts to use Whee in unsupported regions result in login errors, even when using a VPN.
Whee App Features
Whee is described by its developers as "a new social app created to keep you connected with your close friends through life's spontaneous moments."
Essentially, it functions as an Instagram-like platform where users can capture and share real-life photos exclusively with their friends.
This focus on close friends aims to foster a more personal and authentic user experience, contrasting with the broader audience reach of traditional social media platforms.
Whee, the new social media app, is carving its own path in the crowded social media app market. Unlike BeReal, which focuses on spontaneous photo sharing, or Snapchat, known for its disappearing messages, Whee emphasizes privacy and intimate connections.
Screenshots reveal a platform designed for close-knit circles, where users can share posts and interact exclusively with their friends.
Interestingly, Whee's launch follows the recent introduction of another ByteDance app, TikTok Notes.
TikTok Notes also draws inspiration from Instagram, centering on photo posts and featuring a grid-style feed that enables users to browse multiple posts simultaneously.
Users can sign up for TikTok Notes using their existing TikTok accounts, ensuring a seamless transition for the platform's vast user base.
Despite both apps being inspired by Instagram, it remains unclear how Whee and TikTok Notes will coexist within ByteDance's ecosystem. While TikTok Notes offers a more public sharing experience, Whee's focus on sharing with close friends could differentiate the two.
ByteDance's Recent Moves
The launch of Whee comes as ByteDance continues to expand its reach and adapt to changing social media trends. On May 14, TikTok began testing a new search results feature incorporating ChatGPT artificial intelligence.
This feature aims to enhance user experience by suggesting relevant search results. On May 17, TikTok also started experimenting with long-form content, allowing a limited group of users to upload videos up to 60 minutes in length, challenging YouTube's dominance in this space.
However, ByteDance has not been without controversy. A recent study revealed that TikTok approved over a dozen political disinformation ads before the European parliamentary elections, raising concerns about its ability to detect and moderate false content.
