Instagram announced a new feature yesterday (Aug. 5) called ‘Instagram Reels’ that allows users to create 15-second multi-clip videos, similar to TikTok in style. The latest Instagram feature permits the videos created by public profiles to be viewed by a large audience through an Explore feed.
What We Know
- Instagram Reels includes audio, augmented reality effects, a timer and countdown, and align/ speed editing. The newest video feature allows for videos to be recorded in a series of clips or in one complete take.
- The Explore page allows for Reels to be seen on a greater scale and potentially trend or go viral. The app notifies you if your Reel is featured with a featured label solely designated for videos that Instagram deems entertaining or inspiring.
- Many users of the app have compared Instagram Reels to the widely popular TikTok. Given the future of TikTok being uncertain, Instagram may be onto something.
“It’s created almost a perfect storm for Instagram to release this thing…”
-Joe Gagliese (CEO of Viral Nation on release of Instagram Reels)
- Although TikTok pays featured creators and there has been no word on if Instagram will follow suit. TikTok pays creators through live stream views and, most recently, through launching a $200 million fund.
Though the future of TikTok is uncertain, the users will most likely continue to support the original app rather than Instagram Reels or the “TikTok copycat.”
