What is the new Instagram Reels feature and how similar is it to TikTok?

There’s a new Instagram feature in town that promises to create fun and engaging short videos for your Stories. Sound familiar?

In the new Instagram Reels, you can either choose to create a fifteen-second video using a clip from a massive library full of music, take audio from a previously existing video, or record your own original sound bite.

It’s very similar to how TikTok works. Other features includes a helpful self-timer with a countdown and the option to adjust video speed.

The best Reels will be featured as part of the Explore page and you’ll be able to upload videos directly to your Stories. Whilst all these features are available in TikTok and without the option to easily view multiple videos with a scrollable feed, we’re still awaiting confirmation of any standout aspects to Reels.

International roll-out

Currently live in India, Brazil, France, and Germany, a spokesperson from Instagram has hinted that the feature will soon be rolled out across other countries in due course. According to this feature in the Business Insider, India gained early access to the feature days in the wake of their government calling for a ban on TikTok and other Chinese apps.

Though there’s stiff competition, Reuters revealed that numerous Indian alternative video apps such as Chingari, Mitron, and Riposo have all seen multi-millions of new users joining their communities since TikTok was taken away. However, with one billion worldwide active users, it’ll be interesting to see how Instagram fares in its fight back against its new rival.