Instagram overtakes TikTok as world’s most downloaded app

Copycat video feature Reels helps Meta app in fightback against Chinese-owned rival

Instagram has overtaken TikTok as the world's most downloaded app after its copycat video feature Reels helped it recover ground lost to its Chinese-owned rival.

The photo- and videosharing app soared in popularity after its launch in 2010 alongside reality royalty such as the Kardashians and is a cornerstone of the influencer phenomenon, but has faced stiff competition on its own territory in recent years from TikTok, the short video platform.