In a surprising twist of timing, Instagram has unveiled two new features for Reels that are launching today in the US. Here are the details.
TikTok is officially set to cease its services in the US by this weekend. Instagram stands to gain significantly from the anticipated influx of new users following this ban.
Just ahead of what could be a wave of new users, Instagram is introducing two enhancements to Reels, which mirror TikTok’s short-form videos.
Initially available in the US, with plans for further rollout, these upgrades for Reels are detailed by Instagram’s communications team:
- Discover your friends’ interests: We’re simplifying the process of seeing and engaging with the content that your friends are liking (or commenting on) in the upper right corner of the Reels tab.
- Initiate conversations: A reply bar will now be visible, allowing you to easily start discussions about the content you enjoy, creating additional chances for your Reels to reach a wider audience beyond your current followers.
As depicted in the image above, Instagram will highlight the activities of friends and followers on a specific reel while you view it. This enhances your ability to discover what your friends are interested in.
Furthermore, you can engage further by replying to their interactions. For instance, if a friend likes a reel, you’ll have the option to respond directly to their like, thus broadening opportunities for social interaction.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see more features added to Reels in the coming weeks and months if indeed TikTok’s ban in the US is implemented. From a business perspective, this presents a rare opportunity for Meta that is unlikely to arise again soon.
What are your thoughts on the newly introduced Reels features? Which apps do you intend to use more frequently after the TikTok ban? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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