Instagram Reels: A killer feature of the Tiktok app?
You’ve probably heard about Instagram’s new feature that looks very similar to Tiktok: Instagram Reels.
Same look. Same kind of videos. Same songs.
This feature, like TikTok, allows you to create short, fun video clips right in your Instagram app.
If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry, we’re here to help.
We’ll explain everything you need to know about Instagram Reels, its new features, how it compares to TikTok and how you can maximize it for your business.
Let’s start with a brief overview of what Instagram Reels are.
What are Instagram Reels?
Reels are a new video sharing feature on Instagram that allows you to create and post 30-second videos to music.
Originally, you could only record videos for 15 seconds, but with a new update, you can create videos that last up to half a minute.
Since its launch in August, Instagram has been steadily improving the Reels experience for users.
Recently, Instagram added new features that make creating Reels easier and more fun.
They revealed these updates in a tweet on September 23.
These new features are in addition to existing features such as:
- Using an original soundtrack or choosing from the library of songs on Instagram to accompany your videos
- AR (augmented reality) filters
- Adjustable speed.
While Instagram describes Reels as a new way to create and share entertaining videos on the platform, there are other opinions.
Many people describe Reels as an imitation of TikTok.
Speaking of TikTok, let’s see how it compares to Reels.
How do Instagram Reels compare to TikTok?
Wondering what differences exist between Instagram Reels and TikTok? Let’s find out.
Length of the video
How long can you record videos on TikTok and Instagram Reels?
On TikTok, videos can be up to a minute long.
But on Reels, you can only create videos for up to 30 seconds (Reels were originally only 15 seconds long).
Edition
When it comes to editing, both Reels and TikTok offer excellent options.
As a beginner, editing on TikTok can be a bit overwhelming. However, when done right, the resulting videos are super beautiful and creative.
For Reels, editing is simple.
This also means that the transitions and results are not as creative and visually appealing as most TikTok videos.
Reels work well for videos with simple transitions.
Tiktok comes with a built-in video editor that allows you to add special effects and sounds to your video.
To create a video on Tiktok, click on the “+” icon in the corner of your screen. You will notice a new interface where you can save your video.
Here is what you can do with the icons in this interface:
Speed: choose how fast you want your video to be.
Beauty / improve: this option improves the quality of your video by removing shadows.
Effects: Here you can access the effects available on Tiktok. These filters can be found in the categories Portrait, Life and Vibe.
Timer: The timer helps you choose the length of time (between 1 and 60 seconds) that you want to record your videos in hands-free mode.
At the bottom of the screen is a large red record button.
To the right of the record button is the upload icon. This is where you will find videos from your phone’s gallery to upload to Tiktok.
On the left side of the record button is the effects button.
This button works like Instagram filters in that it allows you to use AR filters for your videos.
Record a TikTok video
Once you are clear on what you want, press the red button at the bottom of your screen to start recording.
To stop recording, press the red button again.
Editing on TikTok
Once you have finished recording, press the red check mark at the bottom of your screen.
You will now be able to edit your videos.
The interface changes again to show more editing options.
Here you now have the following buttons:
- Trim clips to cut or shorten your videos.
- Sounds to add music to your videos.
- Voice effects to add sound clips to your videos.
- Voiceover to add your voice to your video.
- Effects to add special RA effects.
- Filters (as mentioned above)
- Stickers to add more fun to your videos.
Publish your TikTok
When you are satisfied with the appearance of your video, you can click on the red Next button in the bottom right corner of your screen.
This is the new interface where you can post your videos for others to see.
You will also be able to change the thumbnail that users will see by clicking on Select Cover.
When you choose Select Cover, you will also receive additional text to your cover image.
Before you post, you can write a brief description, tag your friends and add hashtags.
You can also choose your privacy settings, if you want others to see your videos.
There is also an option to disable comments.
Click the publish button at the bottom of the screen to share your video with the world.
Later in the article, you’ll see how to create and edit a video on Instagram Reels.
Collaborations
There are more options for user collaborations on TikTok than on Reels.
For example, with TikTok, users can create duets and reaction videos on existing videos – a feature that Instagram Reels don’t have (yet).
Advertisements
Brands can run ads on TikTok.
This makes it a great revenue generating opportunity for businesses and creators.
While you can run ads on Instagram stories and feeds, there are no ad slots on Reels.
Other factors to consider
In comparison, it doesn’t seem like Reels is a TikTok killer.
But if there’s anything to learn from Snapchat and Instagram Stories, it’s that Instagram can capture a good chunk of the TikTokers’ hearts.
The advantage of Instagram Reels over TikTok, according to Instagram’s own leadership, is the simple fact that all your friends are already there.
Instead of creating a new user base (as Facebook tried to do with Secret Lasso), Instagram plans to roll out the new features to its own billion users.
Facebook’s large collection of licensed music from major labels and independent publishers is another key asset of Instagram Reels.
Apart from that, most of the main features of TikTok are also available on Instagram Reels.
You’ll find ghost overlay options (for smooth transitions), timed captions and a timer for speed control.
TikTok still offers powerful filters, effects, and editing options that Reels lack and are essential for creating the comedic effect identified with content on TikTok.
However, it’s only a matter of time before Instagram follows suit.
While we wait to see how events unfold, what happens to the creators on TikTok? Will they use Instagram Real?
Top designers joining the Reels bandwagon
As you might expect, many creators who use TikTok are already experimenting with Reels.
They are motivated by the uncertainty surrounding the future of TikTok.
Some of the top influencers already using Reels include:
- Carolinereceiver
- Yanissaxoxo
- Gloria_ndr
- Michael Lee
- Simon Yosh the
- adventure cat
- @Backpackingkitty
- Jojo @jojosiwa
- Adam @adamwaheed
- Lufyyy
In addition to influencers, global brands are also jumping on the bandwagon. Examples of such brands include:
- Shein
- Netflix
- Sephora
- Walmart
- Louis Vuitton
- Asos
- Nike
How to create your first Instagram Reel
How to create your first Instagram ReelYou can create a Reel by clicking the camera button in the top left corner of your home feed. Or you can click the + sign, then click “Reels” in the top left corner of your profile tab to create one.
Once on the Reels screen, you’ll see something like this →
This screen is where you’ll find the video editing icons that Reels has to offer.
Here’s how these tools can help you:
Duration: choose the length of your video. This can be anywhere from 15 to 30 seconds.
Audio: choose from Instagram’s rich library of songs or pick a song from your library.
Speed: This allows you to choose how fast or slow you want the video to be.
Effects: similar to the effects on Instagram stories, you can add special effects to videos you create from Reels.
Timer: this feature allows you to set the length of each clip in your reel. You can choose between 0 and 15 seconds.
Once you’re ready, tap the big round button at the bottom of your screen like you would to create an Instagram story.
You can also upload a video from your media library/gallery.
You can record one clip at a time or decide to create your videos all at once.
After recording, you can now add effects such as text and stickers.
Now it’s time to share what you’ve created with the world.
You can share your Reels only on the Explorer page or on the Explorer page and on your feed.
7 ways to maximize Instagram Reels for businesses
7 Ways to Maximize Instagram Reels for Businesses Now that you know how to create a Reel, the questions remain:
- What type of Reels should you create for your business?
- How do you get the most out of Reels for your business?
Here are some of our best tips and answers to these questions.
1. Recreate successful TikTok videos
If you have published content on TikTok in the past, then it will be easier for you to maximize Reels for your business.
You can easily recreate your branded videos that people have enjoyed on TikTok.
Since the platforms are different, you will need to change some things about the videos.
For example, the maximum video length on Reels is 30 seconds, so you’ll need to adjust your video to meet that constraint.
By the way, you may not want to simply republish the same video on Reels after posting it on TikTok – at least not without removing the TikTok brand logo.
Why? Your Instagram audience will think the video wasn’t originally for them and may start to lose interest in your future videos and your brand.
2. Publish educational content
The best way to turn your subscribers into buyers is to educate them about your brand and your business. Think about it.
Most of your subscribers may not know that you offer certain solutions unless you tell them about them.
With Reels, you can create short educational videos that help your subscribers solve a problem.
3. Launch a challenge on social networks
Only a few organic channels can generate more awareness for your business than a challenge or contest on social networks.
One thing we learned from TikTok is the power of social media challenges.
These challenges spread quickly and can quickly get your brand noticed.
Back it up with a branded hashtag to get all the exposure your business can generate from Reels.
4. Show behind-the-scenes images
Going behind the scenes offers your subscribers a new way to connect with you and your business.
If you’re a content creator, your subscribers will be able to see your efforts and failures as you try to create content.
If you sell products, you can show your audience the process it takes to create or make the products they love so much.
Or if you are a content creator, you can show your audience how you create content.
Here’s an example from user @zachking showing behind-the-scenes in a Real video
5. Create original sounds
Instagram gives you the freedom to use original sounds and audios in your Reels that you can use to your advantage.
This freedom gives you the opportunity to unleash your creativity and create a sound that your audience will love and share.
6. Let your personality shine
Don’t be a faceless, lifeless brand.
Bring your brand to life by showing your face on your Reels.
This makes you easier to understand and sets you apart from many faceless companies.
Allowing your personality to shine through also makes people trust you more and helps you build a community.
For example, this makeup brand owner Sananas2106 uses Reels to introduce herself and show more of her personality.
7. Tell stories
Stories are a way to connect humans, regardless of our background.
We are drawn to inspiring stories that move us to action.
With Reels, you can tell your brand’s story in a more personal and interesting way than what’s on your website’s about page.
The future of Instagram Reels
Will Instagram Reels be the end of TikTok?
We can’t say for sure, but we do know that many TikTok creators also use Reels.
Just as Instagram created something out of the Stories feature, you can be sure that Reels will be around for a while.
As a business, you need to learn how to create Reels and know the type of content that will grow your business.
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