It is now known to most people around the world that one of the most popular viral video platform TikTok has been banned in India. The reason given by Indian Government is that it is a concern to “national security”. And TikTok is not the only Chinese app to be banned, there are 58 other apps too but TikTok has been hit the hardest.
But as they say, someone’s loss is another one’s gain and that is what we are seeing right now. Since TikTok’s audience has been now left dry, Facebook-owned Instagram is trying to fill that gap with its “Reels” feature.
It should be noted that Instagram’s Reels feature was not developed overnight. It’s just that the feature was not available in most parts of the world. But Instagram Reels has now been launched in India and it will be available inside the main Instagram app too. So you need not download any app other than Instagram to use this feature and reports suggest that this is a “broad” test meaning not everyone will have access to this feature.
According to TheIndianExpress, Instagram will make this feature live at 7.30 PM IST on July 8 where users will have the “Reels” feature in their Instagram Camera Roll. Also, India will just be the 4th country to get this feature after Brazil, Germany and France. It also looks like the US is looking to ban TikTok too which might suggest Instagram Reels could launch in the US next.
In any case, the idea behind Instagram Reels remains same as TikTok where users can create 15-second videos that can be viewed by everyone using Instagram. Also, Instagram has already made deals with popular Indian music labels to get access to their song library at launch. Features such as video trimming, speed, effects, and adding audio to your videos will also be available on Instagram Reels at launch.
The additional feature that Instagram has added to its Reels is AR or augmented reality where users can “add a unique touch to the videos”. Just like TikTok videos, Reels can be reviewed, deleted, re-recorded and edited and you can add your own audio to the Reels too.
