Mark Zuckerberg is going for TikTok. He bought Instagram and WhatsApp, but Snapchat slipped away. His reaction was clear: he copied the snaps in the form of Instagram Stories. He won.
Will he achieve the same with Reels? Will it cripple the rising power of TikTok?
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Time will tell, while here I'll tell you all about Instagram Reels: what they are, how they work, how to create them, where you can see them and how to share them
1- What are Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels are short 15 or 30 second videos where you can add audio, effects, and creative tools.
Yes, they are a clear copy of TikTok, so if you know how TikTok works, it will be very easy for you to be a Reels user.
If you are new to this type of videos, you should know that they are usually fun or educational videos but very, very creative . Editing is very important in this type of short videos.
Reels appear in the feed if you decide to share them with your followers. Also, if you have an open and public account, you will be able to appear in a new section in the Explore tab.
2- Why use Instagram Reels
You don't know if the Reels are for your brand? These short and creative videos can help you a lot and here's how:
Increase traffic to your website , whether it is a blog, an online store or a medium.
Reach a new audience: You will appear in the new icon at the bottom to be discovered by more people and new users who may never have met you.
Get more engagement . Being a novelty there are more people watching than creating videos. In addition, Instagram is giving it more reach so that you can make more Reels videos.
Connect with your community : Being more creative, short and humanized videos with your image, they bring you closer to your audience.
Instagram is not going to give up on Reels as it seems to have done with IGTV. There will be more and more novelties so using this new functionality will give you many benefits.
3- How to create Instagram Reels
Have you decided to create your own Reels? Let's go there!
Open the stories feature on Instagram and select Reels at the bottom of the camera (next to Superzoom, Layout, Handsfree…).
It will be then that you will see different creative options on the left side of the screen, which will allow you to create your Reel:
Audio: Here you can search for songs in the Instagram music library. You can also record the video with your own original audio. If you share a Reel with original audio, you will be tagged as its author so that other users can create videos with the audio.
Speed: You can speed up or slow down part of the video/audio you select or create slow motion videos.
Timer and countdown: this is very helpful. Use the timer to record clips hands-free. Once you hit record, you'll see the 3, 2, 1 countdown before the recording begins.
Augmented Reality Effects: To record multiple clips with different effects, select an effect from the gallery, both those developed by Instagram and independent creators.
Alignment - Align objects from your previous clips before recording the next one. This way you can create more fluid transitions of different moments, such as when changing clothes.
You can create the Reels by recording them in a sequence of clips, all together or by choosing videos from your gallery.
To record the first clip, press and hold the capture button . You'll see the progress indicator scroll across the top of the screen. Stop pressing to end each clip.
4- How Instagram Reels works
To reach many more people with your Reels, Instagram offers you several places where you can share your new videos.
If you have a public account:
You can share your Reel in a new tab in the Explore section for the entire Instagram community to discover.
You can also post it on your profile to share it with your followers.
When you share Reels that include songs, hashtags, or effects, your Reel may appear on pages for that song, hashtag, or effect to be discovered by users searching for that item.
If you have a private account:
Reels respects privacy so if you share a Reel on your feed, only your followers can see it. People won't be able to use the original audio from your Reels or share them with other accounts that don't follow you.
explore instagram reels
5- How to share Reels on Instagram
When you have your Reel ready, go to the sharing screen where you can save a draft, add text, change the cover image, tag other accounts, and add hashtags.
Once you share your video on Reels, it will be included within the new Reels tab that will appear on your profile.
If you also share it on your feed, your Reel will appear alongside your regular posts. Remember that you can delete it whenever you want.
Another option is to post it as a story . Then it won't appear in your feed or the Explore tab. It will have the same conditions as an Instagram Stories story: it lasts 24 hours.
6- Where to see Instagram Reels
The Explore section of Instagram is going to be greatly enhanced with the new Reels. It will be there where you can discover funny Reels of any Instagram user. You will see it in a vertical format (same as TikTok).
You will be able to comment, like and share any Reels you like.
If you see any Reel video with the Featured tag , it is because the Instagram team has selected it as the best. If any Reel of yours is chosen as featured, you are notified with a notification.
If you are one of the first to make Reels, you will have more opportunities and a greater reach.
7- What you should and should not do on Instagram Reels
I am going to give you some tips for your Reels videos that Instagram itself has shared:
Inspire in the video, giving the feeling that anyone can participate and create.
Share original and authentic content, created with the Reels camera.
Use Reels' music library and audio tools.
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Your Reel video should have a wow factor or, as they say now, WOW or LOL moment.
Quickly attracts attention; the more intriguing, the better.
Prepare a surprise or a fun twist.
And now also what you should NOT do on Instagram Reels:
Don't add music that isn't in Instagram's music library.
Do not make videos with a date because, being temporary, it may have less useful life.
You can't miss a story.
Do not create content that goes against Instagram rules.