Instagram had announced for a while back that it was working on a short-video feature called Reels, it has finally launched today, 5th August 2020. Here is everything you need to know about this new feature.
The aim of creating Instagram Reels is to provide short and entertaining videos. This feature, as many have already guessed, will help the Facebook-owned platform compete against TikTok.
Facebook has been battling for market share in all facets of social media and communications technology. In the wake of the pandemic, it had launched Messenger Rooms to compete in the video calling space.
Now it is rolling out Instagram Reels which it says brings tools for users to record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos. The creative tools include audio, effects and many more. Instagram explains how Reels work in a blog post.
To create Reels on Instagram, select the Reels button at the bottom of the Instagram camera. On its left, creative tools pop up. Some of them are AR Effects, Timer and Countdown, Align, Speed, and Audio.
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They all have unique functions. For example, the audio allows you to search for songs on Instagram music library to use for their videos. While the speed tool enables you to speed up or slow down parts of your video or audio.
You can also opt to record in a series of clips (one at a time) when using Reels, you can choose to record all at once or even use videos from your device gallery. To record the first clip; press and hold the capture button. Then, stop recording to end each clip and you can repeat the action to record a new clip.
If you are using a public account, you can share your reel to a dedicated space on Instagram Explore. You can as well post them on your Feed. For those using private accounts, Reels maintain your privacy settings and only your followers get to see them on your Feed. It will not allow others to share your reel videos with users who don’t follow you.
Additionally, you can save a draft of your reel once it is ready or change its cover image, add captions and hashtags and tag friends as well. There will be a Reels tab on your profile where people can see the reels you have shared.
The Instagram Explore section will also now contain reels and show the best trending ones on the platform. Reels that come with ‘Featured’ labels are those that the platform has handpicked to give people a better experience.
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