Instagram Reels are here! 6 things you need to know about the new video sharing feature

Instagram Reels are here!

Facebook launched the newest Instagram video feature in the Philippines on Wednesday, October 27.

In a virtual press launch, Instagram Strategic Partnerships Max Friedman introduced the platform's newest video sharing feature..

1. What are Reels?

Reels are a "new experience that gives anyone the ability to create and edit up to 60 second short-form videos and the opportunity to be a creator on a global stage."

This video can help people "discover, watch, and interact with Reels in a dedicated space" in the social media platform.

Max said Reels also has a "range of formats which means you have a different way to express yourself and interact with your followers."

2. How to use Reels?

Reels can help you get creative with its features and easy-to-use editing tools.

The new tab will let users not only share their creativity but also have the chance to reach new audiences through short-form videos that offer "real moments of entertainment and inspiration."

Users can now access the Reels on their Instagram camera. They can either film videos directly on Reels or use a saved video from the camera roll.

They can vamp up the videos with the various tools available on the app to make the video more creative and fun.

3. What are some of the features of Instagram Reels?

Speed: Choose to speed up or slow down part of the video or audio you selected. This can help you stay on a beat or make slow motion videos.

Timer and Countdown: Set the timer to record any of your clips hands-free. Once you press record, you’ll see a 3-2-1 countdown, before recording begins for the amount of time you selected.

Timed Text and Stickers: Add text or stickers at a certain point in your video.

Align: Line up objects from your previous clip before recording your next to help create seamless transitions for moments like outfit changes or adding new friends into your reel.

Touch-Up: Adds an overall smoothing effect to your content and the ability to control the intensity level.

4. How to make successful Reels on IG?

To make successful Reels on Instagram, Max suggested creating content that are "uniquely you," "relatable," "easy to recreate," and "simple."

Some of the do's for Reels are to make it entertaining and fun, sharing authentic content, using the Reels music library and audio tools, staying relevant with cultural moments, trending topics and popular audio from the music library, among others.

Max also discouraged posting overly promotional commercial material or content or clips that have been recycled by other apps with music that is not from Instagram's library.

5. Does someone have to follow you to see your Reels?

Not necessarily, unless your account is private. If you have a public account, your Reels have a chance to be seen on the Reels tab on Instagram.

According to Instagram, its algorithm if Reels are recommended to you based on things you like — Interests (likes comments watched), Entertainment (survey in the apps), Creation (when someone watches your Reels using the same audio or song).

6. What about music?

Alongside the launch of Instagram Reels, Facebook also recognized "how its platforms and music share something unique in community building and bringing people together, enabling expression and community."

Given this, Facebook has announced new ways for people to connect with artists and music communities they love on their family of apps.

Head of Music Label Partnerships for APAC Dona Inthaxoum said there are seven music feature launch across their family of apps including Organic UGC (user-generated content), IG Music Stories FB Music Stories, Lyrics in Stories, Music in FB Profiles, Reels, and Soundmojis.

According to a press statement, the launch of Music in the Philippines was made possible through the partnership with FILSCAP.

"How people listen to and express themselves through music is ever changing in today’s world. Facebook and Instagram music features definitely provide more space for music creators to celebrate their art and express themselves through music,” said Arturo Lui Pio, President of FILSCAP.

“We are excited that by partnering with Facebook, music creators will be able to reach more audiences and inspire them with stories told through the art of music. Together, we will continue to support the development and promotion of the Filipino music industry," they added.

Music features on Facebook and Instagram along with Instagram Reels can now be seen on each user's Facebook and Instagram accounts. —JCB, GMA News