Whee: A New TikTok Program with Instagram-like Features
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has quietly released a new program called “Whee,” which is gaining attention for its similarities to Instagram. Whee was initially designed as a video-sharing application and has caught the interest of many users who have noticed the parallels between the two platforms.
Currently, Whee is available for download in over a dozen countries, including India and Brazil, as reported by Android Police. However, users in the United States are unable to access the software, despite its availability in other nations. Upon downloading the program from the TikTok Google Play Store, American users encounter an error message when trying to log into their accounts. Even utilizing a virtual private network (VPN) does not resolve this issue, as indicated by a study.
While Whee does bear similarities to Instagram in terms of its user interface, TikTok’s operating system offers a more personalized experience. The goal of this new program is to simplify the process of sharing images on TikTok, allowing users to choose who can view their posts. This shift from Instagram’s public account strategy, where posts are visible to everyone, is seen as an exciting differentiation for the platform.
Screenshots of Whee highlight terms like “Share with friends only,” “Made for friends,” and “Like and comment only with friends.” These images showcase the friends-only approach that sets Whee apart from other versions. The application’s user interface features three tabs: one for the camera, one for the feed, and one for messages. Additionally, there is a notification button at the top of the screen, similar to Instagram’s layout.
The development of Whee can be traced back to ByteDance’s introduction of TikTok Notes, another app similar to Instagram that allows users to connect through images and phrases. Whee was created as a result of the limitations in merging the exclusive friends-only functionality into the Notes app, which cannot align with the private and public account options found on Instagram.
It remains unclear whether Whee will be marketed in countries worldwide, as ByteDance has not provided specific details. However, its availability in multiple countries already suggests a potential global rollout.
In conclusion, Whee represents an intriguing development in the TikTok ecosystem. By incorporating elements reminiscent of Instagram, TikTok aims to enhance the user experience and provide a more personalized sharing process. As the program continues to evolve and potentially expands its availability, users can expect exciting new features that further differentiate TikTok from other social media platforms.