Instagram tests ditching video posts in favor of Reels

Instagram is going to convert all videos and IGTV content into Reels. This move will make a significant change in the app to improve the video experience on the platform. Let’s explore whether this is a choice or a necessity for Instagram to make a big change in its business model.

Why Instagram is Changing All Videos to Reels

As you know, user attention spans are decreasing day by day. Every app is trying to keep its users engaged and outdo its competitors by introducing new features and continuous updates. Instagram suspects that its competition is getting tougher, especially with platforms like YouTube introducing YouTube Shorts and TikTok attracting huge numbers of users. In this scenario, if Instagram only focuses on photos, it won’t survive in the future. Since the app already has millions of users, it introduced Instagram Reels to keep its users engaged. This feature is currently being implemented in selected groups to analyze user intent and get feedback before a global rollout.

Main Points of the Change

• Unified Video Format: All videos posted will automatically become Reels.
• Public vs. Private Accounts:
  • Public Accounts: Anyone can discover your Reels and use your original audio to create their Reels, increasing your content’s reach and engagement.
  • Private Accounts: Your Reels will only be visible to your followers, maintaining your privacy settings.
• Remixing Reels: If your account is public, others can remix your Reels. You can control this feature in your account settings, giving you flexibility over your content’s use.

Potential Challenges

While this move aims to streamline video content, it could present some challenges:

• Horizontal Videos: Videos shot in horizontal format might appear awkward when automatically converted to the vertical Reels format, affecting the viewing experience and aesthetic.
• Impact on Existing Videos: Instagram has not yet clarified how this change will affect videos already posted on the platform. Users are left wondering if their previous content will be converted to Reels or remain in its original format.

Why This Matters

This move aligns with Instagram’s strategy to double down on Reels, which now accounts for over 20% of the time users spend on the app. Reels have become a central part of Instagram’s user experience, drawing significant engagement.

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, previously stated:

• The app is shifting its focus to video, moving away from its roots as a photo-sharing platform.
• The consolidation of IGTV and Feed videos into a new format was a step towards creating a unified video experience.

Instagram’s Vision

If this change is rolled out widely, it will:

• Integrate Video Features: By turning all videos into Reels, Instagram will further integrate its video features, providing a cohesive experience.
• Reflect Video Trends: The shift towards short-form video content is evident across social media platforms, driven by the popularity of TikTok and YouTube Shorts. Instagram is aligning itself with this trend to stay competitive.
• Enhance User Engagement: Short-form videos like Reels tend to attract more engagement due to their concise and engaging nature. This move could increase the time users spend on Instagram, boosting overall engagement metrics.

User Engagement

This change will be beneficial for content creators as they will have the opportunity to make videos using someone else’s audio without copying it. This will be good for both creators and their audiences.

• Increased Visibility: Public Reels can reach a wider audience, potentially going viral and attracting more followers.
• Creative Flexibility: The ability to remix and be remixed fosters a collaborative and innovative community. However, users can control this feature to protect their content as needed.
• Adaptation Required: Users who prefer horizontal videos or longer formats might need to adapt their content strategies to fit the new format.

Conclusion

Instagram is going to make a big update. Initially, this app was only for sharing pictures, but now it allows sharing videos, and for long videos, it has an option like IGTV. However, due to competition, it is necessary to make a change to keep users engaged and unify all videos in the form of Reels. This change will also be more beneficial for users, allowing them to make similar videos using someone else’s audio, like on TikTok, without copying it. These videos will have better quality and attract more potential users.