Monday, August 17, 2020

Instagram Reels Introduced on August 5th 2020 to take on Tik Tok

I always wondered why Instagram wasn't bidding for Tik Tok and now I understand why.  On August 5th 2020 Instagram announced Instragram Reels which is deemed a new way to create and discover short and entertaining videos.

Users are invited to create fun videos to share with friends and anyone on Instagram.  Users can record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio,effects and new creative tools.  These reels can be shared with followers on Feed and if the account is public can make them accessible to their Instagram community through a new space in Explore.  Reels in Explore allows anyone the change to become a creator on Instagram and reach a new audience globally.

Below is what it would look like and I'll explore how it works.

Credit Source: https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/introducing-instagram-reels-announcement


Creating Reels

On Instagram camera select Reels.  There are creative editing tools which include audio (search for a song from the Insta music library or use your own original), AR Effects (you can select a range and record multiple clips with effects), Timer and Countdown (use a count down for hands-free clips), Align and speed are also functionalities.  The reels are recorded in a series of clips.

The Reels can be shared in Explore if the account is public or in your feed if the Reel is private.  Reels can also be shared to your story and will disappear after 24 hours.

The advantages of Reels via the Explore is that this feature shows trending culture on Instagram.  Users can discover entertainment and if a user has a vertical feed it can be customized.  Reels can be loved by liking, commenting and sharing with friends.

Some Reels will have a 'Featured label' and if featured in Explore the user will be notified.  The advantage of featured reels are that they are a selection of public reels selected by Instagram to help users discover original content, entertain and inspire.

The aim of Reels it to empower users and allow them new ways to express and discover what they love on Instagram and help anyone become a creator.


Credit Research Source: https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/introducing-instagram-reels-announcement

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