Instagram Reels received new features recently, giving users more ways to express themselves through short-form videos.
These functions are designed to assist content creators in engaging with their audiences, attracting new viewers and enabling users to express themselves creatively in new ways.
What are these new Reels features?
Meta has announced that the initial testing phase for the longer 90-second clips are now a fixed function.
Along with new interactive stickers, audio editing options and more.
Initially, all videos could only be 15 seconds long, however Instagram has increased that limit by 600%, allowing users to share up to 90-second clips. The maximum duration of reel ads is now 60 seconds.
Although this seems to contradict the whole ‘short-form’ concept, the shift comes after TikTok made the decision to increase their maximum video length to 3 minutes and once again to 10 minutes in February.
Another added creative element that has been introduced to Reels is new interactive stickers you can add to videos.
As stated by Meta:
“We’re bringing some of your favorite Instagram Stories stickers to Reels: with poll, quiz and emoji slider stickers, you’ll have new ways to connect with people through your reels.”
This is a great way for marketers and creators on the platform to further their engagement with their viewers.
According to a study by Conviva, Instagram Reels generate far more engagement in comparison to traditional Instagram videos, on average about 67% more!
Meta is also adding an extra audio import alternative, allowing creators to upload their own audio directly inside the Reels creation process.
Another exciting added element to their sound features is the new ‘Sound Sync’ option, which means that users making videos can automatically sync their recording to a specific music track that they want.
Lastly, a very cool update that they’ve rolled out is ‘Templates’.
What this allows for is, should you see a certain video that you like the style of, you can recreate the format of via the ‘Use as Template option’.
According to the Search Engine Journal, “public accounts with more than 10,000 followers who posted at least five reels over a 60-day period gained 250% more followers than those in the same category who did not post reels.”
They have become a key component into shaping successful influencers and brands through establishing a unique, fun, creative online presence.
What do you think of these new updates? Let us know on Twitter @itpliveme.