Weekly Prompt: Instagram eyes standalone Reels app and other news

Instagram might be considering standalone app for Reels

Instagram is reportedly considering launching a separate app for its short-form video feature, Reels. According to The Information, Instagram head Adam Mosseri mentioned the idea to staff recently, though no official decision has been announced.

The project, known internally as "Project Ray," is said to focus on improving content recommendations and expanding the availability of longer three-minute videos. Currently, Reels are integrated into Instagram’s main feed alongside photos and Stories, but a dedicated app could provide a more streamlined experience for video content.

Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has previously experimented with standalone apps for video. In 2018, it launched Lasso, a short-form video platform, but later shut it down. More recently, the company introduced Edits, a video-editing app designed to enhance content creation.

Reels have become one of Instagram’s fastest-growing features, generating billions of views daily. Meta has also been investing in attracting creators, including offering payments for exclusive content.

If Instagram moves forward with a separate Reels app, it could reshape how users engage with its content. However, the company has not provided any official details on whether or when such an app might launch.

Sources:  Reuters, Social Media Today, TechCrunch

Additional prompts

Microsoft tests AI search mode for Bing. Microsoft is testing a new AI-powered search mode for Bing, designed to deliver summarised results similar to Google’s AI search. The company confirmed the development to Windows Latest but has not provided further details. Reports suggest this feature differs from Bing’s Copilot-powered Deep Search by offering AI-generated summaries, source links, and media content instead of traditional web links. Early tests indicate that users remain within Bing rather than being directed to external sites.

Testing reportedly began on 19 February 2025, with some users already seeing the feature live. Microsoft has not officially announced a launch date, and further updates are expected as testing continues. Read more on MediaPost

Twitch expands monetisation and brand collaboration tools. Twitch is opening up subscriptions and Bits to “most” creators, removing follower count requirements and allowing more streamers to generate revenue. CEO Dan Clancy outlined the change in an open letter detailing Twitch’s 2025 plans. The platform is also introducing a new option for streamers to reinvest their earnings within Twitch, though details remain limited.

For brands, Twitch is launching tools to improve partnerships with creators, including an easier way for streamers to express interest in brand collaborations and a discovery tool for advertisers. Other updates include Shared Hype Trains for group engagement and enhanced Clips editing capabilities. Read more on TechCrunch

TikTok updates desktop app for a more mobile-like experience. TikTok has launched an updated desktop app designed to better replicate its mobile interface. The redesign features a modular layout, repositioned navigation bar, and a refreshed For You feed and Explore tab optimised for web viewing. Live-streaming has also been improved, allowing creators to go live in portrait or landscape mode, with a full-screen horizontal view for desktop users.

Additional features include a floating player for Google Chrome, enabling multitasking while watching videos, and a new Collections tool for organising saved clips. The update aims to create a more seamless experience across devices. Read more on Social Media Today