Earlier today, we published a story about Instagram’s internal efforts to take on TikTok.
Our reporting found out that tests of TikTok-like changes to Instagram—which Instagram paused after an outcry from major influencers—were part of a broader initiative that began last year to simplify the app, code name Panavision. You can read more about the project and the Meta-owned app’s crossroads moment here.
As part of my reporting, I spoke with Tessa Lyons-Laing, director of product management at Instagram. The company’s efforts to change the app center on attracting two key groups: young people and creators. And teens these days want a different Instagram experience than the ones who made it a household name.