Instagram Reels: Are they the new Tik Tok?

We’ve come to lockdown 2.0, and I know I’m not alone when I say that I’m starting to run out of things to do - and it’s only day three. Whether you’re baking that classic lockdown loaf, reading a book, exercising via YouTube or just watching Friends all day, there’s a new kid on the block to test out... 

It’s time to explore Instagram’s new feature ‘Reels’

Social media has become a vital platform where we can connect with loved ones of our daily lives. I know I’m not alone when I say this that throughout lockdown, TikTok was a non-stop topic of any conversation. I’d hear my friends ask me, “Have you watched this TikTok?” Or “You have to watch this on TikTok”. The short-form video platform’s popularity has gone through the roof. From viral videos of crazy-good dances, hilarious voice-overs, to DIY videos, the creativity used by the social media giant seems to be endless. 

Since then, Instagram has realised the need to play catchups and entered the short-form video platform market - Reels. 

Reels is a brand new video feature on Instagram in an effort to rival TikTok. It’s pretty much TikTok’s twin sister, but she’s got everything you want and need - designed specifically for short-term, creative content. 

So, how does it work?

You’ll find yourself cruising through the ‘discover’ part of Instagram, and trust me, you’ll be scrolling for hours on end watching limitless content. Reels allows users to create and upload short but sweet 15-second videos recorded with music or other audio. It allows you an offering of different editing tools, such as a countdown timer, speed-adjustments, and filters. 

If you feel like you could be the next viral ‘Reels-star’, how about uploading one? Here’s how:

When on Instagram, swipe right to your camera and simply select Reels on the bottom scroll bar to your left. From there, you’ll find endless editing tools on the left-hand side of your screen!

Press record to get creating! Once you think it’s ready for the world, hit the arrow button at the bottom. And now it’s out! On your way to be Reels-famous - it’ll catch on. Before you upload, you can write a little caption, pic a cover pic, add hashtags, whatever you want the world to see. 

I don’t know about you, but I think Reels is going to be my new lazy day go-to. Perhaps this lockdown will make me a Reels-star? Who knows!