The new feature is embedded within Instagram. To create a new Reel, open the app's camera and slide through the video options until you see "Reels."
You can record a series of 15-second clips, all at once, or upload from your mobile device's gallery. While recording, you can alter the speed, apply AR effects, set timers, use licensed music, or add your own audio.
Record the first clip by tapping and holding the capture button. Untap to stop recording to end each clip.
Once your Reel is ready, move to the share screen to save a draft of your Reel, change the cover image, add a caption and hashtags, and tag your friends. After you share your Reel, it will live on a separate Reels tab on your profile, where people can discover all your reels. You can also share your Reel video on your Feed. You can also share your Reel to public Stories, Close Friends, or Direct Message.
For more on the feature, read Instagram's announcement.
Facebook, and it's family of apps like Instagram, have a longstanding history of adopting successful features from rising social media competitors. We predict slower adoption at first, similar to users jumping from Snapchat to use Instagram Stories exclusively. Over time, we sense that creators will wait to compare their follower growth and video engagement levels between TikTok and Instagram Reels to determine the better long-term platform.