Image via Instagram.com
Instagram has just released a new feature on their application known as “Reels”. This new feature allows members to record and post videos with various edits included in videos. This feature is very similar to what is available on TikTok. Instagram has previously been accused of picking up other application features and passing them off its own. For example, the Instagram ‘stories’ feature seemed to be derived from Snapchat stories.
Following the possible ban on TikTok in the United States, Instagram came out with a comparable feature. The government recently required that members of the U.S. Army and those of the Navy do not download the application and that members of congress can not have the application on their government devices.
Reels is a big threat to TikTok and many people are speculating that the new feature allows for filling the niche of Tiktok if it is indeed banned. Reels has been released in upwards of 50 countries in the world.
Reels Is a Feature and Not a Different Application From Instagram
Just as Instagram accounts are private or public, so are the Reels that are uploaded. A Reel posted on a private page can only be seen by the uploader’s followers and other friends. However, Reels uploaded with public accounts can be viewed by followers and non-followers. They can also be seen on the explore page.
There Is a Specific Reel Explore Feed Where You Can Access Videos
Similar to the ordinary Instagram explore pages, videos that appear here are prompted by content you already consume or are drawn to as you use the Instagram app. Reels has a special section at the top of the explore page. This has a great resemblance to the “for you” page on TikTok.
Reels Have a Similar Display and Length of TikTok Videos
Reels are 15 seconds long just like videos on Tiktok. Reels have various additional features such as various edits for texts and the addition of music to the videos. The music can be sourced from the Reels music library that has a vast variety of songs or from an individual’s personal music library. The feature also allows the addition of effects and filters.
To Record a Reels Video There Is a New Section of the Camera That Allows You to Do So
This can be one video or two or more videos simultaneously recorded actively. The feature also allows you to post videos directly from your storage from a previously recorded video. The videos are short and aimed at entertainment. Reels have a featured section on a video to indicate unique content or original content.
Reels as a feature is bound to take off and increase traffic on Instagram. This is a good thing as it allows TikTok influencers to take a chance at the same content creation on a different app. Brands and entrepreneurs are also bound to make use of this feature to advertise their products and services as they can reach more people though the vast Instagram audience.
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