Key TakeawaysInstagram may soon roll out a new Pause feature, similar to TikTok.A new app called Edits is also expected to be launched to compete with ByteDances CapCut.Several new interface changes such as repositioning of the highlights section may also happen.If youre one of the grieving members of the tiktok fanbase and struggling to get used to Instagram reels while TikTok is in hibernation, we have good news!Meta has taken feedback from TikTok enthusiasts and is currently testing a pause feature on some of its users. This means that now you wont have to tap and hold the screen while trying to get a clear view of that one aesthetic clip in an edit, or even just to read an important text flash.Hello @instagram, can I please request a pause button on reels?? sincerely, a grieving former TikTok scroller, one user posted on social media site X while TikTok was taken down for a few hours last month.In this new update, youll be able to pause videos with just a single tap, making it a lot more convenient for users to have a little more control over the content theyre watching, exactly how it is on TikTok.Currently, if you tap on the screen, the video just gets muted. It isnt clear yet about how the mute function will be placed now that its gesture is replaced with pause, or whether that function will be completely gone for good. I guess well have to wait for the update to be officially rolled out to find that out.This update could be Metas way of taking steps to place itself on top while TikTok is struggling to clearly place its future in the US market.Were going to learn whats going to happen with TikTok, and regardless of that, I expect Reels on Instagram and Facebook to continue growing. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Meta is also planning to launch a video editing app called Edits thats scheduled to be live in February. This app could give serious competition to the current user favorite, CapCut. This is a free video editing app owned by ByteDance, the same company that owns TikTok.In addition to this, Instagram is also making a lot of changes to its interface. For instance, the grid size has been changed from 1:1 to 3:4, making the overall appearance of the grid look a little narrower.Also, Mosseri announced that hes thinking of moving highlights to the grid, as a separate section, like how we have posts, reels, and tagged posts sections now. Currently, highlights appear as circles on top of the grid on the users profile.TikToks Current Situation in USAs for TikTok, the apps future is uncertain. For now, the app is working in the US, thanks to an extension granted by Donald Trump. If it doesnt comply with Trumps newest conditions, the China-owned app might have to say a final goodbye to the US on April 5.The app was temporarily banned on January 19, 2025, under a law that required the Chinese company to either sell the app or have it completely banned in the US. The government of the US and ByteDance have since been trying to find a middle ground to settle this concern without having to let go of the app.A few days ago, speculations about ByteDances merger with Perplexity AI were taking rounds where Perplexity offered to establish a new company called NewCo with a 50% stake in exchange for its equity, and ByteDance would give TikTok in exchange for the remaining stake.The next month is crucial in deciding the final fate of TikTok in the US. Competitors like Meta are also watching its move with a keen eye.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Vlad is Tech Report's Executive Editor. With over a decade of experience in tech content, he's passionate about computer hardware, an advocate of online privacy, and strongly believes in the open-source, scarce-money nature of cryptocurrency.When hes not working, hes traveling with his partner and their cat, learning Python, or reading good books. He never owned a PC he did not build. View all articles by Vlad Melnic Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.