Instagram is giving its TikTok clone, Reels, a new upgrade. With the update, users can now make 30-second Reels videos, instead of the standard 15 seconds. TikTok already lets users create videos up to a minute long. 

Instagram Reels

The Verge reports that Instagram is also extending its Reels timer from three to ten seconds. Moreover, Instagram should now allow Reels users to cut or delete any clip to smooth out the editing process.  

Instagram is rolling out updates to Reels, including longer video lengths https://t.co/feE40nMYcM pic.twitter.com/YKBT9YDdoT

— The Verge (@verge) September 24, 2020

Is Reels a TikTok-Killer?

While Instagram has not released data about the number of people using Reels, it seems to focus on the feature. Robby Stein said that Instagram is betting “big on entertainment,” when Reels launched. Stein added that Reels boost Instagram by opening up an Instagram entertainment zone.

Stein is Instagram’s product director. 

What Is Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels lets users create short videos for sharing among followers. You can set these videos to music, which could go viral. For Instagram, the short video format could bring in more users. Moreover, Reels could make Instagram a video entertainment platform as well.

Once you’ve made a Reel, you can also share it with your friends directly on Instagram. They can also use Instagram’s AR tools and filters on the videos. With TikTok and Reels, creators have a lot of tools to make viral content. However, unlike TikTok, Instagram won’t pay creators for their videos, for now.

The post Instagram Reels Now Allows 30-Second Videos first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

As TikTok faces an intense US crackdown, Facebook moved to take it down by launching Reels, a new video-sharing feature. This new feature will go on Instagram, in tandem with Instagram Stories. After India banned TikTok earlier this month, Instagram opened Reels to take over the market. Facebook plans to extend Reels to the US and to over 50 more countries in August. 

In 2019, Facebook bought Instagram. 

What Is Instagram Reels?

Gizmodo notes that Instagram Reels works the same way as TikTok. Instagram users can “create 15-second videos set to music” and share it publicly. They can also “borrow” the audio from other users’ Reels and remix them for other creations.

Lots of TikTok videos have gone viral in the past. Instagram looks to feed into this by adding viral Reels to the “Featured Reels” tab. This feature gathers all viral Reels in one section. Users can also use Reels’ editing tools to tinker with their videos.

Instagram's new Reels feature is pretty obviously Facebook's attempt to take down TikTok https://t.co/JVNGWW9LVm pic.twitter.com/v56mBnplkj

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) July 16, 2020

Will People Like Instagram Reels?

A report from Tech Crunch notes that in case TikTok gets banned, Instagram can lock up all of its former users. However, the report cautions that TikTok users may not jump right to Instagram. Not all TikTok users release the same types of videos anyway. If you dance, you might choose Dubsmash. If you’re Gen Z, you might prefer Byte.

Despite this, though, Instagram remains of the most-used apps in the world. Tech Crunch reports that Facebook has not announced Reels’ US release date yet.

Why Is TikTok in Trouble?

Tiktok has found itself in hot water recently. US lawmakers point to its Chinese origin as a possible threat to national security. Because of this, they fear that the Chinese government is harvesting user data. President Donald Trump even said they were looking to banning the app in the US. 

Some companies have already banned TikTok. Wells Fargo told its employees to delete the app from their phones. Even the US military asked soldiers to remove the app in their government-issued phones. 

As of now, people will have to wait to see if Instagram can take TikTok’s place.  

The post Instagram Launches “Reels,” Challenging TikTok’s Dominance first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold