Instagram Reels launched officially in over 50 countries: Here’s how to use this new feature

Facebook’s photo-sharing app Instagram has officially launched ‘Instagram Reels’ – an answer to the ByteDance-owned short video app TikTok. The new Instagram feature would let users record and edit 15-second videos with audio, with the option of adding visual effects.

The feature is being made available across 50 countries, including India and the US, sources revealed. The timing is fortuitous thanks to TikTok’s uncertain future in the US. Although the path to the ban is not clear, TikTok’s users in the US are already looking for alternatives to the platform.

As per the latest inputs, ByteDance could even sell TikTok’s US operations to an American company in an attempt to retain its presence.

Back to the new feature, users will be able to share Reels with their followers in a special section called Reels in Explore, or in the Story feature.

How to create a Reels Video

• Select the ‘Reels’ tab located at the bottom of the Instagram camera.

• You would have several creative editing tools on the screen’s left side to help create your reel.

• You can record the Reels in a series of clips, or using video uploads from your gallery.

• Now, record your first clip by pressing and holding the capture button.

• You’ll see a progress indicator at the top of the screen as you record.

• Stop recording to end each clip.

If media reports are to be believed, Instagram has tied up with famous music labels in order to provide a vast collection of songs to users to create interesting Reels.