What Is Instagram Reels?

After a few months of testing in a select markets, Instagram has finally released its brand new ‘Reels’ feature in over 50 countries, including the U.S., Australia and the U.K. Native to the Instagram App, this feature let’s you create 15 second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools. 

With TikTok having surpassed over 2 Billion downloads in April, Instagram could be looking at becoming the number 1 platform for short for vertical videos, similar to when Instagram’s ‘Stories’ feature took huge market shares away from Snapchat. 

The new feature strongly resembles TikTok, and will instantly feel natural for TikTok users. With various new effects, audio options and other editing tools, ‘Reels’ lets its users create seamlessly within the app. Once a reel is published, it can then be shared in one’s feed, story or appear on the ‘Explore Page’. 

For Brands

In recent months, TikTok has developed into the ideal channel for brands wanting to reach a younger demographic. With the majority of users being under the age of 35, brands can easily and precisely target and retarget their audience with original content. The ads, challenges and other forms of branded content let companies ideally convey their message, without overwhelming their audience with ads. Challenges are the perfect way to not only reach your target audience, but also have them engage with your brand. Hashtags such as #MakeMomSmile (Colgate) or #GuacDance (Chipotle) have created an enormous brand reach and also resulted in a strong sales increase. These same principles are also true for ‘Reels’. Famous TikTok stars such as Charlie D’Amelio or Addison Rae have both amassed over 25 Million followers on Instagram and could lead the way for ‘Reels’ success.

After only a few weeks of Availability in France, many brands such as Louis Vuitton, Red Bull or Sephora have started using Reels as part of their Marketing Mix. The extraordinary success that the LV campaigns have shown with an average of 5 Million views, are an early sign of how impactful Reels will become within the next few weeks and months.

To get your brand on Instagram Reels or TikTok contact us below.

Images: Instagram