TikTok is developing a new photo-sharing app called TikTok Notes that could rival Instagram.
Users have received notifications that existing and future public photos posted to TikTok will also be shared on the new app.
The URL photo.tiktok.com briefly appeared online showing the ability to write captions alongside photos.
As TikTok has a huge user base, the new app may attract many users and pose a challenge to Instagram.
TikTok confirmed it is exploring ways for users to create and share photos and text but did not provide a launch timeline.
Some experts are concerned that TikTok, which is most popular with American teens, remaining under the control of China as social media is known to change brain development during the formative teen years.
The House passed a bill to ban TikTok if China does not divest ownership but no action has been taken in the Senate.
