Instagram Reels: What Marketers Need to Know

Instagram Reels rolled out to the majority of users in August 2020. The feature is touted as a response to the popularity of TikTok and a way to create similar content within the Instagram platform.

Unlike IGTV, Instagram realized that for Reels to be effective and used regularly, the feature had to be built into the existing Instagram interface. In this way, Reels is very similar to Instagram Stories—and you even access the Reels camera from the same Stories camera.

Here are some quick highlights about reels:

They’re short-form video content in full 9:16 portrait mode.
They can be from 3–15 seconds in length.
They can be filmed directly within the Reels camera and/or uploaded from your camera roll on your mobile device.
They can be filmed as one full take or a series of takes stitched together.
They’re mobile-only. They can only be uploaded on mobile devices.

Chances are you’ve seen reels on Instagram already, even if you didn’t realize it. Reels can be uploaded to Stories or the feed in addition to a Reels gallery on your profile, and they can even appear on the Explore page. They’re pretty much everywhere!

You’ll recognize an Instagram Reels video by the icon in the lower-left corner of the video when scrolling through your feed, or in the upper-right corner when looking at someone’s Instagram profile. If someone you follow uploaded a reel, you’ll see that video in your home feed as you scroll through.

https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/instagram-reels-what-marketers-need-to-know/