Social media platforms are always stealing ideas from each other: there was the introduction of Instagram Stories, shamelessly stolen from Snapchat; Instagram’s recent suggestion of ‘Clips’, ripped off from TikTok; and TikTok’s new redesign which looks like – you guessed it – Instagram.

First exposed on Twitter by New York Times journalist Taylor Lorenz, TikTok’s new profile shifts avatars to the left and puts more emphasis on user bios – same as IG. The platform confirmed its redesign test, telling The Verge: “We’re always looking for ways to improve the user experience on TikTok. We are currently testing profile designs and functionality to ultimately give users more ways to personalise and engage with their profiles.”

While it’s not new for social media apps to copy one another, there is the imminent threat of every platform not only looking the same, but actually offering the exact same features – making the proliferation of apps kind of redundant.

TikTok has quickly become the most popular app among Gen Z, with teen influencers on the platform even establishing a big enough fanbase to warrant renting a content mansion. As well as being an app to show off lip-syncing skills and learn dance routines, TikTok is surprisingly political, with young people using the platform to raise awareness about toxic relationships, criticise the Chinese government, and join in on general election debate.

Although, the app recently faced criticism for hosting a series of hoax videos spreading false information about the coronavirus outbreak, which saw users pretending to be doctors or victims, promoting fake health advice, and sharing anti-Chinese and anti-immigrant memes.