Everything You Need To Know About Instagram Reels
Say hello to the new Instagram Reels feature.
Instagram released its newest Instagram Reels feature today in the U.S. as well as 50 other countries. It started testing Reels with users in Brazil back in November, and then started rolling it out to France, India, and Germany.
I started TikTok years later because I was a little skeptical with the app, and was also trying to figure out how I wanted to utilize it for my brand. Now, I use TikTok for my everyday lifestyle, mini travel video content, and the occasional Pepper and Luna kitten content. The more I use it, the more I’ve started to realize that I don’t particularly love that I have to go to another app. Which leads me to this —Instagram is the hub for everything. It’s a place we already love and know how to use.
Instagram has made moves to lure users back to the built-out augmented reality platform with its constantly updated features and tools — for example:
Instagram Stories rivals Snapchat Stories. IGTV’s quicker and shorter videos rivals YouTube, and now Instagram Reels rivals TikTok.
Even though this is a new feature and there’s a lot to play with, I am confident that Instagram Reels will be Instagram’s next huge success.
Here’s why.
Below, I’m sharing everything you need to know about Instagram Reels.
Instagram Reels is located in the Stories feature.
Instagram has now updated the Stories format where you can now swipe to create Live videos, Story posts, text posts, Boomerangs, and now Reels.
What is Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels is a new short-video format on Instagram where users can create and share multi-clip videos up to 15 seconds using Instagram filters, audio, music, GIFs and more.
You can use hashtags and mention users in Reels. The copy format looks identical when posting to the traditional grid and IGTV.
You have the option to ‘Share to Stories’ and ‘Also Share to Feed.’ ‘Share to Feed’ will post your Reels on your traditional grid.
Don’t worry if you choose not to ‘Share to Feed’ — it will still show up on other people’s feeds and in the Reels tab.
How does Instagram Reels work?
You can access Instagram Reels through the Stories feature. By swiping to the Reels tab, you can use Instagram filters, overlays, GIFs, location tags, audio, and music. You can shoot up to 15 seconds of content, or you can pause and edit your video, and then share it using different options such as ‘Share to Stories’ and ‘Add to Profile Grid.’ Adding to your profile grid will post your Reels on your traditional grid. However, if you delete it off your traditional grid, the Reels will also be deleted. Below (bottom right), you have the option to edit your Reels and hide it from your profile grid. You can also edit the copy, share it to different users, and more.
How do I get my Instagram Reel ‘Featured’?
You may notice a Reel video that has a ‘featured’ label over the caption. This means that the featured Reel is on the Explore page, and if it’s your video, you will receive a notification for it. It’s still up in the air what the Reels algorithm is — it’s similar to the ‘For You Page’ on TikTok, but Instagram chooses these featured Reels to help users view original content.
You can access the Reels tab on users’ profiles, where it will showcase all of their Reels — similar to a TikTok grid profile. The Reels will be located alongside the grid, next to the IGTV tab and photos - videos that users are tagged in. If you delete a Reels video, it will no longer be on the Reels tab.
Where can I find Instagram Reels?
Reels is located at the top of the screen on the Explore page where users can scroll through vertically — similar to the ‘For You Page’ on TikTok.
How will I be able to differentiate between a Reels video, Instagram video, or an IGTV video?
When scrolling through the feed, you will see each video will have its appropriate icon in the bottom-left corner. A Reels video will have a clapboard icon and an IGTV video will have its TV transparent box icon.
Should I use Reels as a personal account and / or content creator?
The answer is YES YOU SHOULD. I know what you’re thinking — another feature that I have to learn about and experiment with? As a personal private account, you can use Reels to share with friends and family. If you create Reels under a private account, it will only post to your Feed and Stories. If you are a public account, you can make them available to a wider Instagram community in the new and updated Explore page. You can potentially reach new audiences on a global level with the Reels Explore page.
As content creators, we should utilize the Reels feature for many reasons. Similar to Instagram Stories, content is shifting more to a raw, in-the-moment feel — which I personally love because it’s relatable and attainable — versus luxurious and perfect videos and content that personally, does not relate to my lifestyle. For example, a beauty content creator can use Reels to showcase his/her morning routine products, night routine products, and more beauty content without overwhelming the audience.
We’re shying away from ‘perfect’ and dabbling more into ‘relatable and attainable’ content, and Reels is a great contributor to that.
What about TikTok?
According to Business Insider, President Trump has repeatedly announced he would place a nationwide ban on TikTok. There is a lot of speculation whether this is even possible, and this article highlights the options for “how Trump’s threat of a ban could actually be put into practice.” There is no clear indication of what the threat means and how President Trump can enact on it, but his threat has definitely caused US TikTokers to take action and urge their followers to subscribe and follow on their YouTube or Instagram. With that being said, there are still lots of TikTok features that Instagram Reels does not have. See below.
What is the difference between Reels and TikTok?
Reels is different from TikTok because on Instagram, users can overlay images and use Instagram filters onto their videos. TikTok has different effects and limited amount of filters you can choose from. You can only shoot up to 15 seconds for Reels videos, while TikTok’s maximum length is 60 seconds. When I first started TikTok, I was confused by the video creation tools. With Reels, the creation process is a more seamless experience and easy for anyone to learn. Again, emphasizing that Instagram is the place where many are familiar with and have built a strong and engaging following, I do think Reels has the advantage and potential to overtake TikTok.
However, there are certain features on TikTok that Reels will not have (for now, at least). There won’t be an option to “duet” with one another — a popular TikTok feature where people can interact with one another and remix videos.
It is also said that Reels’ video distribution algorithm will be similar to TikTok’s algorithm. Just like the ‘For You Page’ on TikTok, users will see the most popular videos at the moment, instead of selected content that is tailored to the individual.
Takeaways from Instagram Reels:
I love that the strategy behind Reels is to focus on creating easy-to-use technology for anyone who wants to create a video. Period.
You have the option to create a video or upload a video from your own gallery. You have the option to share to your feed and Stories, and you can also edit your caption, archive it, and delete it. I think Reels will be an exciting and interesting feature on Instagram as more and more content creators dabble with the new update. There will be more ‘behind-the-scenes’ videos, in the moment clips, and more down-to-earth content for users. I think it will take away from the pressure that many content creators feel, with achieving the perfect feed with a glamorous lifestyle that is more often than not, a highlight reel. I applaud Instagram for this new feature because it keeps me focused on Instagram and not ten different apps that I have to rotate from. Reels will be a huge marketing tool for advertisers to push their products. Brands and businesses will be able to expand their creative content and I can see advertising and monetization options down the road for Reels. Lastly, I’m excited to see how users will utilize Instagram Reels, and I am planning to also brainstorm how I want to go about using this new feature.
What are your thoughts on Instagram Reels? I’d love to hear from you!