Is Originality Truly Overrated?

In a move that may seem familiar to many social media users, TikTok has recently launched a new feature allowing users to share short, text-based “thoughts” on the app. This feature displays the user’s text in a speech bubble format on their Stories feed at the top of their inbox. While this may seem like a unique addition, it bears a striking resemblance to Instagram’s Notes feature.

Instagram’s Notes feature has been popular among younger users, providing a platform to share thoughts and musings with followers. However, TikTok’s version of this feature cannot be called “Notes” due to the naming conflict with their separate photo-sharing app. Despite the different names, the similarities between the two features are apparent, sparking discussion about the fine line between imitation and innovation in the social media landscape.

The rivalry between TikTok and Instagram is nothing new, with both platforms continuously borrowing features and ideas from one another. While each platform has its unique strengths and audience appeal, the overlap in content and functionality is becoming increasingly apparent. With Instagram’s AI recommendations heavily favoring video content, TikTok’s superior algorithm response to user interests has set the stage for a competitive landscape.

As TikTok begins testing this new feature with select users, the question arises – will it be successful? Instagram’s success with the Notes feature may indicate that TikTok’s iteration could also find favor with users. Despite the ongoing trend of feature replication between the two platforms, the introduction of a text-based option on TikTok suggests a shift towards diversifying the user experience.

The debate around originality in social media platforms continues to evolve as TikTok and Instagram navigate the boundaries of imitation versus innovation. While feature replication may be expected in today’s digital landscape, the true test lies in how users engage with and respond to these new additions. As TikTok explores new ways to enhance user interaction and storytelling, the ongoing rivalry with Instagram serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of social media trends.