Everything You Need to Know About Instagram Reels

Love it or hate it, Instagram’s newest update is here. Last week, Instagram announced the launch of Instagram Reels, a new video feature on the app. Social media users were quick to point out the feature’s resemblance to TikTok, and debate over the Reels’ merit has been ongoing since the update’s unveiling. In case your feed isn’t already flooded with these short videos, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Instagram Reels.

1. What are Instagram Reels?

   Reels are quick 15-second videos that include audio, effects, and new creative tools, according to an announcement from Instagram. Instagram’s announcement said that Reels are meant to give users a fun new way to express themselves and find more content they love on Instagram. Instagram users can share Reels with their followers on their Feed or Stories, and public accounts can see theirs on the Explore page.

2. How can I make and share Reels?

   Reels can be recorded under the camera feature, similarly to how you create an Instagram Story or go Live. Reels features the same effects we are used to from Stories plus new features that mirror TikTok videos, including audio/music, different speed settings, as well as a timer and countdown. You can make your Reels via recording a video all at once, recording short clips that are compiled, or by simply uploading a preexisting video from your gallery (we see you, downloaded TikToks posted straight to Reels). Once your video is recorded and ready to go, either share it to your Feed or only to your *new* Reels tab on your profile. Note: posting to Feed guarantees more views! After it’s live, you have the option to remove it from your main profile grid. Reels can also be shared on your Story only, with your close friends, or sent by direct message. The possibilities are endless with this update.

3. This is sounds great… but how are Reels different than TikTok?

   Well… they really aren’t. Instagram is no stranger to adding features to the app that seem oddly similar to newer apps. Remember Instagram Stories popping up right after SnapChat gained traction? Both Instagram Reels and TikTok have the same basic features: 15-second time limit (though TikTok allows for :60), audio, speed settings, timer and countdown, and ability to add text with a different duration. A major key to TikTok’s success and ridiculously addictive nature is the app’s algorithm, which creates a tailored loop of videos based on users’ specific interests. Being the savvy tech giant Instagram is, the Reels update also comes with an overhaul of the Explore page to include a “For You” page that mirrors this loop technique. The update clearly isn’t a coincidence. But do users care? Will they use Reels and TikTok interchangeably? Well that brings me to my next point…

4. Are users into Reels, or is this content overload?

   The verdict is still out on this one. Influencers immediately started sharing Reels content, but they also seem weary on overwhelming their audiences with too much content. NYC-based sisters Shelcy and Christy (@nycxclothes) asked followers how they felt about Reels in an Instagram Story poll, with about 30 percent saying they love the update and 70 percent saying its way too much. But these mixed emotions haven’t stopped Reels from popping up everywhere. Fashion heavyweight Danielle Bernstein (@weworewhat) has already shared 13 Reels, with one of her denim-focused videos receiving more 3.3 million views, another popular short video creator Daniela “Nany” Ramirez (@nany) took to the Reels feature and has seen a surge of video viewership since.

   If the staying power of Instagram Stories is any indication, it looks like Reels will likely be here for the long haul, so double-down and get ready for ALL the video content. Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts so far on Instagram Reels!