Sept 3 (Reuters) -

Instagram launched a dedicated iPad application on

Wednesday, placing its short-form video feature Reels at the

center of the redesigned interface as parent company Meta

intensifies competition with TikTok.

The app addresses longstanding complaints about Instagram's

iPad experience, which previously required using a scaled-up

iPhone version with blurry visuals and missing features.

The new app, available globally on devices running iPadOS

15.1 and later, opens directly to a Reels feed - a nod to what

Instagram calls 'lean-back entertainment' - with Stories pinned

at the top and one-tap access to messaging.

Reels, which accounts for more than 20% of time users spend

on Instagram, represents a central pillar in Meta's strategy to

boost engagement across its platforms in the competitive

short-form video market.

The iPad app adds a Following tab with multiple viewing

options, including recommended posts, content from mutual

followers and chronological feeds. Users can reorder feed

options to prioritize preferred content.

The interface supports multitasking layouts that show

messages and notifications side by side, and lets comments

expand without interrupting video playback.

The app is available for free on Apple's App Store.

Instagram said an optimized version for Android tablets will be

released soon.