Instagram Reels, Facebook’s Answer To TikTok Is Now Available

TikTok can’t stay out of the news right now, what with United States President Trump wanting it banned and Microsoft considering a buyout. It’s in the news for a different reason now, though, witch Instagram trying to steal its idea.

Welcome to Instagram Reels.

If you’ve ever come across a TikTok video you’ll be instantly familiar with Reels. They’re short videos that loop and can have music played over the top of them. Users can share their Reels with their followers or everyone on Instagram if they so wish.

Have a read of these Reels features and try to work out what’s different between Instagram’s implementation and TikTok.

  • Audio: Search for a song from the Instagram music library. You can also use your own original audio by simply recording a reel with it. When you share a reel with original audio, your audio will be attributed to you, and if you have a public account, people can create reels with your audio by selecting “Use Audio” from your reel.
  • AR Effects: Select one of the many effects in our effect gallery, created both by Instagram and creators all over the world, to record multiple clips with different effects.
  • Timer and Countdown: Set the timer to record any of your clips hands-free. Once you press record, you’ll see a 3-2-1 countdown, before recording begins for the amount of time you selected.
  • Align: Line up objects from your previous clip before recording your next to help create seamless transitions for moments like outfit changes or adding new friends into your reel.
  • Speed: Choose to speed up or slow down part of the video or audio you selected. This can help you stay on a beat or make slow motion videos.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

The new Reels feature is available now to anyone with the most recent Instagram app update installed.

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