Reels offers consumers and businesses the opportunity to create 30-second videos on Instagram with some special effects, audio and creative tools.
Instagram is launching its short-form video-sharing feature, Reels, in the Middle East today starting at 7PM (GST). Announced at House of Instagram, the latest feature will be a new way for the platform’s community of creators, users and businesses in MENA to create and discover short, entertaining videos. The news follows the introduction of Music on Instagram Stories earlier this month.
Reels, which has been rolled out in phases across the globe, enlivens expression and storytelling on Instagram with music and soundtrack to complement short videos. Users may film and edit up to 30-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools. Users may also share Reels with their followers on feed. For those with a public account, they can make it available to the wider Instagram community through the dedicated Reels Tab.
Making Reels is intuitive and in line with processes already in place for stories. Creators may film videos directly on Reels or upload a saved video from the camera roll and use the creative tools to freely edit. Some of Reels’ editing tools include audio, AR effects, timer and countdown, alignment, speed and touch-up. Once a cover image, caption and hashtags are added, the Reels may be published
In addition to sharing to the Reels tab, users may also share videos directly to the feed. A new Reels tab will be then added to the user’s profile, where all their Reels will live. Reels can also be shared with friends via Stories and DM. If the account is public, non-followers can also watch the reel.
Samer Jamal, Strategic Partner Manager at Instagram MENA said: “Self-expression and versatility are part of the creative DNA of the region’s Gen Z and millennial population. As one of the primary platforms for this group of creators, we have always sought to adapt our features to what they need. With Reels, they now have more leverage when it comes to creating and sharing short-form content. Reels provides our community with greater freedom and flexibility to innovate, experiment and elevate their content, and we cannot wait to discover a new generation of talent via the feature.”
