Last week, Instagram rolled out a series of new video features under the heading of Reels. Here’s what we’ve learned about it so far.
Instagram Answers TikTok with new Reels feature
If you’re on the fence about whether TikTok is right for your brand, you’re not alone. While this platform has made inroads by opening up advanced features like an agency interface and advertising solutions, the political controversy about Tiktok and its ownership have quite possibly pushed Instagram to roll out its newest feature, Reels a little quicker than planned.
You can now choose 15 seconds or 30 seconds for your video length!
Update from Jennifer Hatton, October 14, 2020
Most people have the music feature – hopefully it is fixed for everyone! If not keep using a work around.
A few updates have been added to the clipping feature to splice video clips together.
Many people are editing their videos in TikTok, InShot and other editing apps and uploading them as a finished product to Reels.
We know more updates and tweaks are coming!
Here’s a tutorial from Sam Shefner on how to use Reels with an evaluation on its functionality. He says that some things are limited for now, but that Instagram might build more as the feature gains in popularity.
The New York Times also did a test and said it stinks. But No one liked Instagram when it first came out either, so it’s anyone’s guess what will happen next.
How Do I Create a Reel?
If you’re ready to jump in, here’s a couple resources to help you try it out.
Instagrammer extraordinaire Color Me Courtney got the feature a week ahead of time and does a great rundown here on her blog. She then updated her blog post when it went live with anything that was different.
Later Media, a platform specializing in Instagram only has this helpful overview and a three step tutorial for creating your own.
After I create a Reel, what should I do next?
Some key Instagram influencers are suggesting you get 5 or more Reels up quickly so that you are favored by IG’s punishing algorithm.
Then you can also brag to all your social media buddies that you were an early adopter.
We’re also seeing lots of recommendations about using hashtags but it’s anyone’s guess how that will function within the current Instagram craze of using numerous hashtags in a post. In Stories, of course, you are limited in the crazy hashtag use.
Here are our hilarious examples of trying Reels :
Jen does a Reel with her husband and horse
Fran has a reel of a recent fabric dyeing experiment.
It’s her first, so be kind!
Maybe you’re not yet ready for Reels, but at least now you know what’s out there and can talk to your boss or clients about the pros and cons of adding it into your social media strategy.
We’d love to hear about and see your first Reels videos.