With TikTok on the outer, Instagram has pounced on the opportunity to expedite the rollout of its new "Reels" product to 50 new regions. The new addition - which Instagram themselves are openly admitting is based on the mighty TikTok platform - is full-steam ahead with parent company Facebook also out there offering HUGE deals to the biggest stars on TikTok to lure them across.
If you haven't had a chance to play with Reels yet, here is how it all works...
How Do I Create A Reel?
Open the IG camera (same as when you want to create a Story) and you will find Reels on the bottom scroll bar.
All of the editing options are lined up on the left side of the screen.
Just hit record to create your clip that can run up to 15 seconds (there is a progress bar to help you keep track of time) or series of clips if you are going longer.
Tap the arrow at the bottom when you’re ready to publish.
After that, you get the option to add captions, cover images, hashtags and share your video to the 'Reels' area, or your Feed. When you add to your feed they will show up on your grid and on the Reels tab.
You can also send as a DM, post to your Stories, etc.
What Editing Options Do I Have?
Once you have recorded your clip, these are your options for adding extras
Audio: Search for a song from the Instagram music library, or use your own original audio by simply recording a reel with it. Keep in mind that if you create a reel with your own original audio, that audio will be attributed to you and others can make reels with your audio.
AR Effects: Heaps of options in the effect tab.
Timer and Countdown: Set the timer - just like when taking a selfie - to record any of your clips hands-free. Press record and you’ll get the 3-2-1 countdown and recording will start.
Align: Line up objects from your previous clip before recording your next to help create seamless transitions for moments like outfit changes or adding new friends into your reel.
Speed: Choose to speed up or slow down part of the video or audio you selected. This can help you stay on a beat or make slow motion videos.
Reels can be recorded in a series of clips (one at a time), all at once, or using video uploads from your gallery.
Watching Reels
To watch other users’ reels, tap the search icon on the main toolbar. Reels are featured at the top, and all you have to do is tap and scroll to cycle through the clips. From there, you can follow users and like, share and comment on reels directly.
You can find an individual users' reels in a new tab added to users’ profiles, which showcases all their Reels in one place.
The tab is located in the bar beside the original grid of recent posts, as well as tabs for viewing IGTV videos or videos a user was tagged in.
The other option is to Explore.
Here you can scroll through all of the featured posts, and Reels are tagged with a little icon so you know whats what.
What Instagram says: "Reels invites you to create fun videos to share with your friends or anyone on Instagram. Record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects and new creative tools. You can share reels with your followers in Feed and if you have a public account you can make them available to the wider Instagram community through a new space in Explore. Reels in Explore offers anyone the chance to become a creator on Instagram and reach new audiences on a global stage."
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