Instagram Reels has been launched in India. Reels lets users create short videos on the app and edit them creatively by adding filters and music along with the ability to share the videos. #InstagramReels is very much similar to #TikTok and enables users to create 15 second videos with trends, challenges and songs.

Vishal Shah – VP of product at Facebook, said that, “We also realised that stories are not the only place where they wanted to share these videos as they wanted them to stick on for longer and be distributed beyond their followers.”

This new feature uses filters and music from Instagram’s catalogue and users can share it beyond their platform. Users will also be able to share these videos on the feed and with their followers. As of now there is no monetisation strategy in place.

Along with Brazil, Germany and France, India is the fourth country where this feature was launched for testing. The feature has already started rolling out in India.

Instagram has partnered with prominent music labels to provide a vast collection of songs to users. Users can use these songs along with the videos they create on Reels.

How to get started with Instagram Reels?

In order to get started with Instagram Reels, users need to open the Instagram camera and select Reels to start creating 15 seconds videos. Similar to TikTok, you can control the audio, music, speed, effects and timer. Reels – is an option added to the Instagram camera similar to Boomerang.

After creating a Reel, it can be shared with the audience that the user chooses. Unlike Stories, they can be shared in the Explore section where everyone on the platform can view them. Reels also give users unique features to use AR effects add ‘effects’ to their videos. Multiple 15 seconds reels can also be recorded. Users can also review, delete or re-record reels.

Here’s how users can create Instagram Reels:

• At the bottom of the camera, select Reels.
• Click on Audio.
• Search for a song from the Music Library
• You can select audio from your own recordings too – Like TikTok
• You can also add AR effects
• You can ser timer to record any of the clips.

Instagram #Reels are a great addition to the already popular mix of features that the platform offers!