Are you for ‘Reel’s? The latest feature from Instagram
Is anyone else TikTok obsessed? Because I am. I don’t tend to make many videos as such, but I am a self proclaimed #ScrollingAddict and can of course justify this with a job in social media, right?
But there might be a new obsession on the horizon because I’ve recently been exposed to the latest feature on Instagram, ‘Reels’. The feature began testing in November in Brazil and is now available to 50 countries, including here in Australia.
So how does it work?
According to the official Instagram announcement, “Now you can record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with music, effects and new creative features. Reels lets you express yourself and entertain people, whether you’re showing off a new skill or making a funny video the world deserves to see.”
Sound familiar? Well that’s because it’s basically their own version of TikTok.
As an avid user of TikTok, I decided to create my own Reel (without any prior research), to test out the usability factor and I’m pleased to say, I like-y! It took me 5 minutes to make the below video.
So, what’s to love and what’s not to love?
LOVE - Short and sweet
I find myself quickly disinterested on TikTok when videos are any longer than 20 seconds. However, Reels allow a maximum of only 15 seconds per video. Research by HubSpot has shown that longer videos on Instagram receive much lower engagement, with 26 seconds as the average time for videos with the highest engagement. Short and sweet is best!
LOVE - Filters
Everyone loves a filter and reels offer a great range for you to try. Simply click on “effects” to the left hand side of the screen and you’re set to jet. There may not be as many available as TikTok, but I can assure on Reels, it’s easier to navigate.
LOVE - Reels Explore Feed
Just like the ‘For You’ page on TikTok, Instagram has a Reels Explore Feed allowing users to view the Reels that are trending. Simply go to the regular explore feed, click on Reels and scroll down to ‘explore’ as you do on TikTok.
LOVE - ‘Use Audio’ feature
Found a Reel that you love? Want to use the same sound? Just like TikTok, you can click on the audio and select ‘Use Audio’ to create your own Reel to the same sound.
LOVE - Hit save on your favs
One of the features I find frustrating on TikTok is that every video I ‘like’ is then saved. This makes it really hard to locate a video when you have hundreds to filter through. Instagram Reels functions like an Instagram post, where you can opt to simply like a reel OR save it. You can also send them via DM.
SOME WON’T LOVE - Music isn’t available to business accounts, only personal and Creator
Unfortunately, just like stories for IG business accounts, you can’t access music. This is a bit of a bummer but it’s not the be all and end all. You can still create great content!
SOME WON’T LOVE - Availability of filters
With TikTok having been around for longer, there’s a heap of fun filters to choose from. If you’re in it for the filters, you’ll probably prefer TikTok, but Instagram have duplicated some of the common ones you’ll see anyway such as their own version of ‘thousands of me’, ‘green-screen’ and ‘colourful filter’.
So, whether you’re a loyal TikTok user or not, I would strongly recommend giving it a try, especially for those businesses looking to spice things up with fun, interactive and personable content that can be created quickly. Remember too, when you start posting to TikTok, you’re starting from scratch whereas on Instagram, you already have a loyal following!
We’re REELY excited to see what comes from this one, #ForReels.
Learn more about Reels below in a YouTube video we found that explains the basics to get started!