Instagram is one of the most popular photo and video sharing social media site/app used by millions of active users around the world. On Instagram users can share their photos, videos in feed and story. Other users can explore your photos and videos and interact with them.
After the ban of TikTok in India, Instagram became active again and launched short video feature called “Reels” inside the Instagram app in India. TikTok was banned along with 59 other Chinese apps by Indian Government over data security issue and is still banned. Earlier Reels was launched in India first and not it’s available over 50 countries including United States.
Instagram reels feature is available on both Android & iOS app so, users can easily record and edit video by visiting in-app camera. Users can also use other important features in Reels such as adding music and adjust the video speed too. Once any user uploads the reels video on Instagram then new tab will be added in their profile page. Other users can view your Reels video by visiting your profile page.
If any user wants to see the random Reels video of any user then all they need to click on “Search” icon from navigation bar and reels video will be available there. Reels feature provides the TikTok style navigation “Swipe to change video” feature.
Now Facebook owned platform Instagram testing the separate “Reels” testing button on the app home page. Yes, few users spotted separate reels button at bottom navigation bar in the app in place of explore button. By clicking on this reels button users will redirect to random reels video and they can swipe up the video to see other Reels videos in loop.
Instagram didn’t make any official announcement for the same but seems like few users already received this update globally. This update is not available for all the users but hope it will be rolled out gradually as it seems like in testing period.
Explore button which is also known as search or discover button is shifted from bottom navigation bar to top of the home page just besides the DM button. Facebook recently integrated messenger with Instagram DM so, they are quite in hurry to update some important features back to back.
Instagram wants to cover the TikTok audience quickly thus they wants to make this Reels feature more attractive. After the ban of TikTok many short video apps shows immense growth in users like Gaana Hot Shots, Chingari and Mitron.
So, adding Reels button in navigation bar is quite bold step by Instagram which shows that their high priority is to acquire TikTok creators so, they can upload short videos on Reels platform. This move by Instagram made angry to some Instagram users. Many people hated TikTok cringe content earlier and boycotted this app but the same cringe content now posted on Instagram and users can’t avoid it.
If you also think that this feature is very useful for other users then let us know in the comment section.
