The horizon of content creation has expanded over the years. The rise of video formats all over different platforms has given a pathway and freedom to creators to showcase their talent and creativity in front of millions of people. The fact that anybody can curate content from any place in the world is astonishing. A few years ago, content creation belonged to only a few big creators and names. Making big in the industry required networking and multiple resources. But now the scenarios have taken a full 360-degree turn. Most media platforms have recognized the increasing demand for video features and are incorporating it into most of their strategies.
Instagram has always catered brand new features to its audience from time to time. The constant addition of attractive attributes has made the app number one among the Millennials and Gen Z audience.
Introduction of Reels feature in India
Instagram recently launched its new Reels feature in India. After first being tested in Brazil, France, and Germany, the feature has landed in India as an addition along with IGTV and Insta stories. This feature lets creators curate some fun 15-second videos, which one can share on stories and on the explore section of the app. The Instagram team had already partnered with several creators from various genres to create entertaining videos on the feature before the launch. Influencers like Komal Pandey, Ankush Bahuguna, Radhika Bangia, Ammy Virk, and Kusha Kapila were a part of this activity. Instagram Reels is now available on all Instagram accounts in India, and people have already started exploring the feature.
What is Reels?
Reels is a 15-second video feature, which adds a fun element in the lives of the people through various cool tools. It encourages and inspires people to create their version of Reels.
Here’s a breakdown of how the feature works and what all it has in store for the users:
How do Reels work?
Reels have an assigned section in the feed on Instagram, just as IGTV or personalized filters. It is similar to Tik Tok’s content creation model but is much more convenient as one doesn’t have to switch to other platforms to curate videos.
To create a Reel, users have to switch to the Instagram camera and follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Swipe and select the Reels option.
Step 2: Reels offer multiple tools to its users to experiment with and make creative videos.
These include:
- Audio
Users can select any music from the music library provided by the app. They can also use original audio simply by uploading a Reel in their voice. If it’s a public account, other users can also use the audio by selecting the ‘use audio’ tab. The concerned person will get the credits.
- Effects
All Instagram story effects are available for Reels. There are 1000+ AR filters available on this feature to transform and enhance the look and feel of the videos. Users can find top AR filters after clicking on the effects button while creating the Reel.
Some of the most common AR filters are:
- Mirror
- Infinite Zoom
- Mouthface
- Light Leak
- Green Screen
- LED Starburst
- Motion Blur
One can search for more filters in the AR Filter library by clicking on the search icon on the right side of the device. They can also save multiple filters for the future.
- Speed
This feature gives the liberty to change the speed of the entire video, or just certain clips. Fast or slow, it’s all in control of the user!
- Timer
The timer allows users to record videos hand free and makes the process hassle-free.
- Ghost tool
This feature helps in lining up separate clips together. One can use this feature to experiment with transitions.
Step 3: Rewatch the full video after making and editing it.
Step 4: Add appropriate hashtags and stickers. Not all stickers work in the Reel feature. Users cannot attach an external link to Reels.
Creators should ensure that the Reels are user-friendly and do not contain any offensive content. People can report a Reel, just like any other content on Instagram.
How to upload an already existing video in the gallery?
- Users need to find the video of their choice from their gallery
- Select the video and trim it according to the time limit
- Customize the video with the in-app features
- Publish the content as a Reel
Few pointers to keep in mind before and while creating a Reel:
- Create to inspire
Users can create fun and engaging reels to inspire other creators on the platform.
- Find a creative idea
Reels is a feature where one has to be different yet relatable. Finding the niche, and staying up to date with all the challenges and hashtags can help with new original ideas.
- Make the most of those 15 seconds
Right framing, wise selection of music and effects can enhance the storytelling process. The best way to make an interesting Reel is to plan and make a script in advance.
- The perfect way to shoot a Reel
Although there’s no one particular method to ace the Reel game, there are a few tricks that can follow to enhance the quality.
- Play with light. Natural light works best for such short videos.
- Understanding colour schemes is essential. Colours and background set the mood and tone of the video.
- Usage of the in-app features like music, stickers, or filters can change the feel of the Reel.
- Publishing and optimizing Reels
- Sticking to one theme or format can help the user to stand out from the crowd and can help the audience to get familiar with the video style.
- Usage of relatable hashtags and popular songs can attract a lot of audience to the Reel.
- One can easily share, like, and comment on the Reels with friend group and peers.
Technical specifications of Reels:
Reels are available on Android and IOS, both. The time limit remains the same for both as well. Users can create videos up to a maximum of 15 seconds and a minimum of 3 seconds. They work on the .mp4 format, and the quality goes up to 1080P, and 4K, if available. The ratio of the video depends on the size of the user’s device.
How can Reels help in increasing the reach?
This new feature is a game-changer for all the people who want to increase their reach and attract the audience on their feeds. Reels are easily discoverable to people who do not belong to the follower list, which was nearly impossible earlier with regular posts. A large space in the explore section belongs only to the Reels feature that highlights all the creative, entertaining videos.
Reels selection happens by analyzing people’s interests. It depends on what other content they have on their explore section. This will enlarge the content to the specific audience of the creator. As of now, Reels is only available in four countries.
People with private accounts can share Reels on their feeds and can also share within Insta Stories, or in Direct Messages, which will stay for 24 hours. This feature is purely made for entertainment purposes and does not allow the use of branded content tools, yet. Boosting or promoting Reels is not an option at the moment and they cannot be shared on Facebook.
Although Reels is unveiling the future of entertainment on the platform and has ignited a new trend among the users, it has added extra pressure to constantly create content. With all the IGTVs, video posts, stories, and now, REELS, the struggle to come up with good and original content separately for each feature is a tough task. It’ll be interesting to see how creators will use this opportunity to their best potential and create engaging content for the masses.
Nevertheless, it’s safe to say, Reel gives a cut-throat competition to all the other apps with the same business model in India because of the wide user base Instagram has. It’s not been long since the app has launched, and it has already caught a lot of attention from the audience. Let’s see what it has in store for everyone in the future.
