COULD THERE BE A BETTER TIMING?
Facebook's Tiktok, Tiktok alternative, whichever name it is being called right now, Instagram's new feature, Instagram Reels was launched in India lately. Coincidently, it was launched soon after a short-video creating application Tiktok and 58 other 'Chinese-origin' mobile applications were banned by the government of India for security reasons.
Reels, which was already tested in a few countries including Brazil, Germany, and France, was announced to expand its test in India. It appears to be an option to meet the spiked demand for short video platform by millions of ex-Tiktors who are looking for an alternative to make videos. Therefore, while the results of the 'testing' which will be based on the response by users in days to come seems to be positive.
Also, joining the war-cry during the geopolitical tensions between India and China, there is a trend to join the "Atmanirbhar" or Self-reliant India mission launched by Indian government and the Indian apps like Roposo, Mitron and Chingari are gaining wide popularity, Zukerberg's owned Facebook which is also the parent company of Instagram seem to make its move to benefit from this golden opportunity and attract the millions of users to Reels.
Having said that, as the feature was launched many netizens have shared their mixed reactions.
Facebook previously launched a short-form standalone app Lasso. But unlike lasso which has failed to take off as yet, Reels could have a much higher chance of success thanks to its prime positioning in the Instagram app.
The app, launched a year and a half ago, to take on TikTok, allowed users to shoot up to 15-second long videos and overlay popular songs. The app centred around an algorithmic feed of recommended videos but also allowed users to tap through hashtags or a Browse page of themed collections.
The application will be shutting down by July 10, as per the announcement by the company.
Users to create fun and engaging short-form videos.
Users can make these videos with VFX, in-library music, speed adjustment tools, among others.
Surf through popular audios and see what all content has been created using that particular audio.
Users can choose from a huge library of music, borrow audio from another video, or record their original soundtrack.
Users with a Public Instagram account will be able to share Reels on Explore building a better chance for their Reel to be seen and discovered by the wider Instagram community. Reels are very effective to get more audience. Users may look for Instagram growth services for instant success.
Private account holders will be able to share their Reel to Feed with followers or as Stories or DM to specific users.
Reels is now available for users in India, but you may wonder,
The answer is, as mentioned above, the application is testing stage and as this is just a test, not all users might receive the update.
So, what to do? You can check whether you have received the update by visiting Google Play Store and App Store, searching Instagram and checking if a new update is available. If you find it, connect the phone to Wi-Fi and install the update.
After successfully updating the app, you can go the upper left option on your Instagram home page and click the camera icon.
You will see three options after opening the Instagram camera, Live, Story, and Reels.
At your screen, there will be options on the left-hand side including music, speed, effects and Timer.
Click on Reels and select audio from the Instagram Music library. Facebook has partnered with prominent music labels to provide a vast collection of songs to users so they can create interesting Reels.
Similar to TikTok, Reels also come with an option to record original voice which will be posted "Original Audio" besides the popular option of lip-syncing.
So, post creation of the video, you will be provided with options to trim the video, add AR effects and use options like Timer, Speed to edit videos as per your requirement before sharing. Reels also let users re-record a video and even delete it if needed.
Finally, users can choose to share it with either their followers or everyone on Instagram. Reels can be shared to Feed as well as Explore so everyone on Instagram can view it.
Well, Instagram has launched many features in its app, including IGTV, which allowed users to post more than 60 seconds long videos.
Well, the feature made the application somewhat similar to Facebook as it allowed users to stay on the application more even though it defied the whole idea of the app featuring 'instant' content.
And Now, Reels seems to be adding benefits of Tiktok to the social media platform which many Instagram followers seem to not like.
Well, what is your take on this new feature, do comment and let us know.
Get The CEO Magazine to your Door Steps; Subscribe Now
