Instagram has announced it is rolling out a few updates to its video-sharing feature, Reels, in order to give users flexible, new options when creating and editing. This follows reviews of the feature being criticized for its design.
Early user feedback included the ability to let users create longer Reels as opposed to repurposing their longer TikTok videos on Instagram. Now users can create a Reel up to 30 seconds. This means that when recording you can extend the timer to 10 seconds. The company said you can also trim and delete any clip, making the editing process easier.
The Facebook-owned app first rolled out the new feature in more than 50 countries in August. The product originally launched with the ability for users to create and edit 15-second multi-clip videos along with music, similar to TikTok. TikTok helped popularize short 15-second videos but also allows videos of up to a minute in length. Even though TikTok’s fate is unknown in the US, it isn’t clear whether or not Instagram will be the go-to for TikTok users if the app is banned.
Users can share reels with followers on Feed, and, if you have a public account, make them available to the wider Instagram community through a new space in Explore. Instagram said the option to create 30 second Reels is rolling out today, and the Timer extension will also roll out in the next few days.
