Up your Instagram game and grow your following by creating posts and stories using Instagram’s newest feature called Reels. It’s designed to edit videos taken in the app that are up to 15-seconds long by adding audio, speed effects, special effects, and a pre-recording timer.

While Reels was released in the United States on August 5, 2020, they released the feature in select countries a few weeks prior. It was received positively and a few brands are capitalizing on this new feature, connecting with new and old customers.

Reels may sound similar to stories but there are a few major differentiating factors:

• Reels lets you edit videos. You have the ability to add audio, speed controls, special effects, and a pre-recording timer.
• Reels can be shared to Instagram’s Explore feed. (Your account will have to be public)
• You can include original audio and it will be attributed to you. Other users can also use your audio which makes it great for exposure

Why the sudden push for a feature like this? Is Instagram trying to compete with TikTok or is it trying to match Snapchat’s effects and filters? It’s hard to say but there’s no doubt this new feature may take some loyal TikTokers and Snapchaters away from their beloved apps.

How To Use Instagram Reels

1. Tap the camera icon like you would to create a story
2. Tap ‘Reels’ on the bottom of the screen
3. Choose your effects
4. Record your video
5. Trim the video if needed
6. Tap the arrow to the right of the Reels record icon
7. Choose a cover photo, caption, and hashtags for your Reel
8. Publish to the desired location

Where are Reels Published?

You can choose where to publish your Reels. Share it to the Reels highlight that appears at the top of the Explore section (if your account is public), as a post on your feed that appears on your Instagram grid, or simply share it to your story and it will be deleted in 24 hours like other stories.

This feature has only been live for a few weeks in France and Sephora France already seems to have cracked the Reels code. Their Reels have nearly half a million views after just weeks of being posted.

View and Interact with Reels

You can like, share, and follow other user’s Reels by visiting the Explore page, tapping the Reels highlight, and scrolling through the Reels. 

Features and Analytics on Instagram Reels

The Reels feature is somewhat limited with the GIFs, stickers, and effects you can use, but we are expecting that to change very soon with the Instagram user’s feedback on the feature.

The only analytics available on Reels right now are view count, likes, and comments. This too is expected to get more in-depth in the future.

Get on the Reels bandwagon early and create creative content to connect with potential customers and followers. 

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If you would like to revamp your social media presence or overhaul your website or marketing efforts we’re here to help. Contact us online or by phone for a free consultation. We have two offices to serve you. The number for the Tampa office is 813-556-7990 and the number for the Las Vegas office is 702-515-2057.2020