Meta-owned Instagram has a video-centric feature called Reels, which brings a discoverable, short-form video format to the Instagram mobile app - and it works a lot like TikTok.
How do Instagram Reels work?
Upon its initial launch, Instagram Reels let you record and edit 15-second video clips. You could then add music to your video creation or even use audio from another person's video. TikTok already offered both of these capabilities and helped popularise their use in short-form musical content.
Reels isn't a separate app, though - it's a part of the core Instagram app, which means that you don't have to download anything to use it, other than the latest version of Instagram.
In the years since its original launch, the Reels feature has morphed and changed quite a bit and is much less focused on the shortness of the videos. Reels can be up to 90 seconds long, while still maintaining their discoverability in the Explore tab.
A recent change is that all video content up to fifteen minutes in length will be uploaded as Reels by default, making it the defacto format for video consumption on the platform.
Reels Updates
â€" Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) July 21, 2022
We're announcing new features making it easier and more fun to collaborate, create and share Reels. These updates include:
- Reels Video Merge
- Reels Templates
- Remix Improvements
- Dual Camera
Check them out and let me know what you think pic.twitter.com/XZUiqmANSX
The Reels and video tabs on your Instagram profile are now consolidated, too, indicating that Instagram is beginning to think of the features as one and the same.
You can share your Reels just like any other Instagram video or photo, meaning that it could go on your Story with various levels of privacy, in DMs or on your feed - whichever you prefer.Â
Where is Instagram Reels available?
The Reels feature is now an integral part of the Instagram app, and so it's available everywhere that has access to Instagram.
What is Remix?
Remix is a video editing feature that allows you to record responses to existing public Instagram Reels.
Re-re-re-remixÂ
â€" Instagram (@instagram) March 31, 2021
Now you can use the Remix feature in Reels to create your own reel next to one that already existsÂ
Whether you're capturing your reaction, responding to friends or bringing your own magic to trends, Remix is another way to collab on Instagram pic.twitter.com/eU8x74Q3yf
Doing so places your Reel next to the one it is related to, usually as a reaction, response or your own spin on a viral trend.
A recent addition is the ability to create a Remix from a photo post, too, extending the scope for reaction content.
This feature, like most of Reels, is in direct response to the popularity of TikTok. Remix is extremely similar to TikTok's Duet functionality.
What is Dual?
Dual is a feature that allows you to record with your phone's front and rear camera simultaneously. This means that you can capture something interesting, whilst also filming yourself as you react to the situation.
The result is akin to the format popularised by game streamers, who have their webcam in the corner and the gameplay taking up the majority of the screen,
What are Templates?
If you're stuck for inspiration, or just need a hand with editing together your next masterpiece, Templates aim to make that easier than ever.
Templates come preloaded with audio and video placeholders, and you just swap these out with your own videos and audio choices.
To access templates, all you need to do is tap the camera icon in the Reels tab.
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