Liquid’s social media team takes a look at the latest feature from Instagram…

Instagram Reels is a new way to create and discover short, entertaining videos on Instagram.

The feature offers users the ability to record and edit 15 second multi-clip videos with audio, music, new effects and creative tools. Sound familiar? Instagram Reels is the Facebook-owned app’s answer to TikTok, and we have a feeling it’s going to be big…

Sharing the reels with followers is easy as there’s a separate tab that sits within your feed, similar to IGTV. With a public account, your reels are available and discoverable to the wider Instagram community through a new dedicated space on the Explore page.

“Reels in Explore offers anyone the chance to become a creator on Instagram and reach new audiences on a global stage.”

Instagram’s latest hit feature has been drawing comparisons to current social media sensation, TikTok. The concept is strikingly similar, and with fears over TikTok being banned in several countries the move to introduce the new feature seems like a direct replacement.

The popularity of apps and features such as TikTok and Instagram Reels is proving to be more popular than ever, with user bases growing from Gen-Z users to millennials, resulting in a substantial audience reach for advertisers and marketers.

A benefit of Instagram Reels is it’s placing within the app, making it easily accessible for the approximate 1 billion Instagram users. It differs from the IGTV feature as Instagram Reels allows for more creative, innovative and fun content, allowing individuals and brands to demonstrate personality, flair and dynamism.

Our social media manager, Clare, said: “Instagram Reels opens up a whole world of possibilities to Instagram users, and we’re really excited to get using it. Within hours of the feature going live in the UK, users’ feeds were filled with Reels and this is a trend that’s set to continue.”

“For our clients, Instagram Reels opens up a whole new world of possibilities. You don’t need big-budget videography, just some creative thinking and you can create some really engaging content. We’ve already been planning some Reels for our clients, and are looking forward to exploring the feature further.”

With social media trends shaping the way users interact not only with their friends, family and peers, but also organisations and brands, it’s important to keep a finger on the pulse.

Adapting content to the changing expectations of audiences is essential in continuing to build communities and maintain those all-important consumer relationships.

From educational and informative snippets such as top tips to fun behind the scenes clips, and captivating creativity, the opportunities that come with the ability to produce authentic content that will resonate with your audiences are endless.

Instagram’s Reels is currently available in the UK and 50 other countries.

Looking for a social media agency in Birmingham? Get in touch today to find out how Instagram Reels can be used as part of your social media strategy.