
ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, has introduced a new app called Whee. Many people see Whee as an Instagram clone because it offers a similar way to share photos in a social "club" setting. Users can share their photos with friends only, aiming to connect people who already know each other rather than strangers on the internet.
Currently, Whee is available on Google’s Play Store in about a dozen countries, including Australia, Turkey, Thailand, and Pakistan. Notably, the app isn't available in the US. If you try to use the app from a country where it’s not supported, it doesn’t work, suggesting ByteDance might be blocking VPNs to enforce this restriction.




The app's user interface (UI) looks very similar to Instagram’s. There are tabs for the camera, feed, and messages, as well as a notification button that resembles Instagram’s. This can be seen as either a nod to Instagram’s successful design or as a direct copy of one of the most popular social networks.
However, Whee has a strong focus on privacy, which sets it apart from TikTok. While TikTok is designed to engage strangers with viral videos, Whee aims to offer a more private social experience. It is meant for sharing personal life moments with friends and family rather than creating content for the masses. This approach is quite different from TikTok’s strategy of encouraging widespread sharing and viral trends.
Given that ByteDance hasn't made any official announcements about Whee, it seems to be in a soft launch phase. This means the app is still in its preview state, and ByteDance is likely testing it and gathering user feedback before deciding on the next steps. The company might eventually open Whee to a wider audience or possibly shut it down based on the feedback they receive.
Meanwhile, ByteDance is dealing with potential bans of TikTok in the US, Europe, and other parts of the world. The company is trying to fight these bans legally, and there were even rumors about a US-only version of TikTok being in the works, though ByteDance has denied those rumors.
In summary, Whee is ByteDance’s new photo-sharing app designed to connect close friends and family. While it closely resembles Instagram in its design and functionality, it stands out with its focus on privacy and limited sharing. As ByteDance continues to navigate challenges with TikTok, the future of Whee remains uncertain, but it could become a significant platform for private social sharing if it gains wider acceptance.