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Google could be working on a new social media app called YouTube Tamba, with newly discovered code suggesting the company wants to take on TikTok and Instagram with something that goes beyond its existing YouTube Shorts platform.
According to Android Authority, references to the unannounced app were discovered in version 21.44.534 of YouTube for Android. The findings include a dedicated Tamba logo and several interface icons, suggesting Google may be exploring a standalone social platform with features that aren’t currently available on YouTube.
While YouTube Shorts already competes with TikTok and Instagram Reels through short-form videos, Tamba appears to be taking a more social approach. The leaked icons point to features such as private messaging, adding friends, creating posts, and using a camera and microphone directly within the app. These would bring it closer to a traditional social network rather than another platform focused primarily on watching videos.
The app also looks noticeably different from YouTube. Its branding combines a modified version of the familiar YouTube play button with Tamba lettering, while the interface uses hand-drawn icons instead of YouTube’s usual minimalist design. Another notable difference is support for private profiles, which would allow users to restrict their content to approved followers, much like Instagram.
Interestingly, the findings suggest Tamba is being developed for both Android and iPhone, although there’s no indication of when it might become available. Google hasn’t officially announced the app, and Android Authority notes that it could simply be an internal prototype that never reaches the public.
There’s also the possibility that Google could bring some of Tamba’s features directly into YouTube instead of launching a separate app. For now, the leaked code offers an early glimpse at how Google might be looking to expand beyond Shorts and compete more directly with TikTok and Instagram.
