Hardly any other new feature has been discussed as hotly and controversially as Instagram Reels. After the advance of the short video app TikTok, Instagram followed suit in the summer of 2020 and introduced its own counterpart: Reels! Similar to TikToks, Reels consist of short video clips in portrait format that can be up to 30 seconds long . The videos can be given various effects or accompanied by soundtracks.
However, Instagram has not been able to fully match TikTok's success with the format. Instagram boss Adam Mosseri was also self-critical about the feature: "We have to be honest, TikTok is ahead of us."
Despite the need to catch up compared to the competition, it is worth using the feature! Reels are currently still given priority by the Instagram algorithm. This means that your reels are potentially more likely to be shown to users who do not yet follow your profile. This increases your organic reach enormously
Reels also have their own section on the home screen, which is placed very prominently in the app.
Reels in the Instagram feed
Here you can find the reels in the app.
Since December 2020, it has also been possible to integrate uruguay phone number data Instagram shopping into Reels . A feature that is also becoming increasingly interesting for the e-commerce sector.
IGTV: YouTube in portrait format?
Another format for sharing video clips is Instagram TV (IGTV for short). The difference to Reels and Stories is that you can upload longer videos (at least 60 seconds) here .
IGTV, which was initially described as “YouTube in portrait format”, was introduced by Instagram in 2018. At the beginning, however, the feature was hardly used by users because the videos were only displayed “hidden” in their own profile. Since 2019, however, IGTV videos can also be posted in the profile and feed. You can now also upload the videos directly in the Instagram app and no longer have to post them via the IGTV app as before.
Do you have something to tell your followers but need more “airtime” than in stories or reels? Then IGTV is the perfect format ! However, it is still difficult to effectively generate reach through content uploaded there, as the videos are not pushed enough by the algorithm.