Are Instagram Reels the Real Deal?
Instagram Reels are here, but are they the real deal? Based off what I have seen, the reviews have been pretty mixed, people either love them or hate them, but one thing’s for sure, it feels like a quick scramble to release a replacement for TikTok. If you’re already on TikTok, then you’re familiar with the overall style of a reel. How is this feature different than an Instagram story and should I try it out? Keep reading!
Instagram Reels are 15 second video clips where users can use their own audio, set the audio to popular songs, or even share other users’ audio clips over their videos. I just posted my first IG Reel, check out my BTS shoot for @threebirdsnest below! I wanted to play around with it and see how intuitive it was before posting today’s #socialsunday tip!
IG Reels can be recorded directly through the app and saved in your drafts, much like when you upload a photo and want to post it later, you can! Alternatively, you can create a 15 second video in a different app, upload it to IG, then add the musical element though the app. IG took a page straight from TikTok when adding in this feature, 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. Thanks @later for this tip!
Reels can appear on your main grid, if you check that option, otherwise they will be housed in their own little tab between your main feed and IGTV. Plus, if you have a public profile, your reels have the opportunity to show up on the explore page, so more eyes will be on your page, even people who aren’t following you! This is huge for creators trying to grow their audience and reach more people!
Whereas IG stories are more “in the moment and organic” highlight reels of your life, Instagram Reels feel a lot more planned out and take longer to film. Stories can go on and on if you share multiple things (i.e. resharing of posts, memes, uploading longer videos, etc.) and with an IG Reel the maximum time you have per video is 15 seconds. If you want clean transitions and are a perfectionist, I suggest filming outside of the app and then uploading it once it’s perfect! You can also add gifs, stickers, and text, and get to select a cover photo for the reel. Not to mention, Instagram just gave us more fonts to play with!! IG Reels get their own caption and you can add tags and hashtags to each video. Users can leave comments on your reels and you also get a nice little ticker on the bottom left that tells you how many views your video has.
So what’s the verdict? Get in on this now! If TikTok is an indication of the popularity and potential for viral videos, you have to try it! As people are staying home now more than ever, so has their consumption of social media and videos! And reels are a playful and creative way to interact with you audience!
Reels Inspo:
- Day in the life of “insert title”
- 5 ways to style X
- Quick recipes
- BTS of any profession
- How to do X
- Foodie faves
- Makeup inspo
- Thrift store finds
- Cute date night ideas
- Excel hacks
- Plant tips
- All things social media
Like my country chic outfit? Use code “3BNBABE” for 20% off at threebirdsnest!
