Innovating and reconstructing the existing features of competitors is an important part of Silicon Valley’s culture. This is what exactly Facebook did when TikTok was constantly under increased pressure from Washington owing to national security threats. Moreover, India imposing a ban on the Chinese apps was the death knell for Tiktok.
Taking this to its benefit, Facebook-owned Instagram rolled a new feature last month named Reels that replicates the Bytedance owned Tiktok. With this new feature, users can make shareable 15-seconds videos with music, add effects, and loads more. In this article we are describing the following:
- Where Can You Find IG Reels?
- Insights on Reels
- Difference between Reels & Instagram
- Steps to create Reels in Instagram
- 9 amazing content Ideas for Reels
Where Can You Find IG Reels?
To shoot Reel videos, you have to go to the Story segment. Additionally, a new tab is added to users’ profiles to showcase all the Reels at once and it is sandwiched between the tab of recent feed and IGTV.
More Insights on Reels
Instagram Reels targeting mainly the Gen Z and brands, was first launched in Brazil in late 2019. Now it is available for over 50 other countries, including India, the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and even Japan, on Android and iOS.
Keeping the similar essence of Tiktok, Reels provide creative space to the users to shoot and upload videos in the best possible ways.
After the huge acceptance of the latest feature, especially by the ones who were active in Tiktok, lately, Instagram has launched a dedicated Reels tab for users in India replacing the Explore tab. With a dedicated new page, it has become easier for people to discover new Reels creators and their videos.
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Some Hush Hush
If sources are to believed:
- Facebook has offered millions to lure creators from TikTok to Instagram. This was shared by the Wall Street Journal.
- Also, it has asked TikTok creators to post exclusively on Reels or to post their content on Reels prior to Tiktok in lieu of payment by signing the nondisclosure agreements. However, this is not applicable in case of India, since it’s already banned.
It won’t be wrong to mention that the majority population of Tiktok has now shifted to Reels considering the similarities and the benefits. However, there are major differences between them. Let’s have a look:
Difference between Instagram Reels and Tiktok
| Instagram Reels | Tiktok |
| It’s a feature | It’s an app |
| Duet is not supported | Duet is supported |
| 15 seconds is the time limit of every video | Here, one minute is the maximum time limit |
| Reels if shared as Stories vanish within 24 hours | Videos remain in Tiktok |
Given that said, let’s see how to create Reels easily.
Steps to create Reels in Instagram
- Open the Instagram Stories camera and find the Reels icon on the extreme left.
- Next pick the audio from the sidebar and decide on the speed of the video.
- Choose how long a clip will be by selecting the stopwatch icon.
- Now, set the timer before recording.
- Scroll across if you want to apply effects or AR filters to the Reels video. You may also select any previously saved filters or “Browse Effects”.
- Once done, either tap on the record button or upload video from the camera roll.
- While recording you have the option to start and stop multiple times similar to Tiktok.
- After completing the recording you may also add stickers and draw text tools.
- Lastly, edit the cover photo with a video thumbnail or a cover from your camera roll.
Undoubtedly, Reels boasts a good potential to benefit the content creators and brands.
9 Amazing Content Ideas for IG Reels
The users of Instagram tend to prefer content that is quick, interesting, and easily digestible. It is interesting to see how Reels is managing to offer the same. Creators and brands are collaborating to make Reels that will engage the audience at par.
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Be that as it may, the benefits of Reels are not only limited to influencers and brands. If you are someone trying to have a sturdy presence in Instagram, make the maximum use of this latest addition. Check out the following content ideas to make your Reels riveting.
- Food Recipes
These days everyone has become an Insta chef. However, think of a recipe that you can feature within 15 seconds. For instance, upload a guide on how to make healthy smoothies by panning over the required ingredients and then finally the blender. Stop the video by putting a straw into the smoothie. TADA!
- BTS
Behind the scenes are always fun to watch! Aligning with your type of work, you can show the users the Real behind the reel. BTS is an ingenious way to showcase and justify the efforts and planning that go into making a photoshoot or any type of content.
- Favorite Outfits
OOTD is always one of the most loved and searched hashtags in ‘gram. And you don’t have to be a fashion blogger to shoot such clips. Simply record videos on your go-to looks, quarantine looks, or may be those half-done work from home looks.
- Educational Content
If you have an account that is specialized in a particular exam like UPSC or JEE, making regular reels can help in gaining a lot of traction in less time. Offer value-added videos like strategies for studying, daily tips, or updates to educate your existing followers and gain new followers too.
- Throwback Trips
As travelling is still a distant dream for most of us, all we have is throwback videos. Share a throwback video from your last trip and add a soothing background score to put a smile on the users’ faces. Moreover, apart from travelling videos, you may also share the clips when things used to be normal. For example, eating golgappa without any fear, hopping towards the theatre, etc.
- Time Lapse Video
Time-lapse videos are ideal content as these come in neat little yet intriguing packages. Create such videos using the speed effect available within the feature. From before-after visuals to floating clouds, trigger your creative spot and make as much content as possible.
- A Day in Your Life
This can be an honest sneak peek to your daily life. Document those beautiful yet easy moments in your life and put up as IG Reels. Some of the ideas to make such videos can be chillin’ on the balcony, reading a book, sipping over a cuppa tea, watering the plants, and so on.
- Trending Challenges
Challenges in life and social media are never-ending. Pick up a challenge that is trending on Instagram and you are good to go! You may use those amazing readymade filters available to make it eye-catching.
- Repurpose Old Ones
Lastly, if you have been active in platforms like Tiktok, reuse your old videos and upload ‘em on Reels. This is a clever tactic to implement if you run out of new ideas or simply want to keep it easy.
Just Another Reelization
In this race to catch the golden goose, many users are already fiddling between multiple short-video making apps post the ban of Tiktok. The more the choices, the more the competition. It’s time to see how long IG Reel will be able to attract more user-generated content seamlessly. Till then #ReelitFeelit.
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