Are instagram reels gone?

No, Instagram Reels are not gone. Instagram Reels continue to be a popular short-form video feature within the Instagram app that allows users to create and share 15 to 60 second multi-clip videos enhanced with audio, effects, and more. Reels remain a core part of the Instagram experience.

What are Instagram Reels?

Instagram Reels are short videos that can be created and shared directly within the Instagram app. Reels allow users to record and edit 15 to 60 second video clips set to music or other audio, and add creative effects, timers, countdowns, stickers, AR filters, and more.

Reels videos auto-play in full screen when viewed, similar to TikTok. And they are discoverable through a dedicated Reels tab on the Explore page as well as in the Reels carousel at the top of the home feed. Users can like, comment on, and share Reels with friends or to their own followers.

Why Were Users Concerned Reels Were Going Away?

In August 2022, some Instagram users worried Reels might be removed from Instagram after noticing the Reels tab had disappeared from the bottom navigation bar for some accounts. However, this navigation change was just a test.

Instagram confirmed they were running a small test temporarily removing the Reels tab icon from the bottom bar for a portion of users globally. The goal was to simplify and declutter the navigation while continuing to make Reels discoverable in Feed and Explore.

This test sparked concerns that Reels were being phased out, but Instagram clarified Reels themselves were not going away. The tab icon might disappear for some, but Reels videos would remain accessible in the Reels carousel at the top of Feed, in Explore, and when creating content.

Why Reels Are Here to Stay

Reels are a key part of Instagram’s product strategy moving forward due to changing user behavior and competition from TikTok. Some reasons why Reels will remain a priority for Instagram:

• Users are increasingly drawn to short, entertaining video content vs static photos.
• Video performs well and helps keep users engaged on the app.
• Video ads in Reels can generate revenue.
• Reels help Instagram compete with rivals like TikTok that popularized short-form video.

Instagram is heavily promoting Reels to creators and putting engineering resources behind building new Reels features. They are unlikely to remove what’s become a core part of the app experience.

Where to Find Reels on Instagram

While the tab icon may not always be present, here are places Reels can be accessed within the Instagram app:

• Top of Feed – The first 2-3 posts shown will be recommended Reels from accounts you don’t follow.
• Reels Carousel – Scroll past the first few Reels in Feed and a carousel of Reels from people you follow will appear.
• Explore Page – Tap the Reels pill icon on Explore to browse popular and recent Reels.
• Reels Camera – Swipe right from the main Instagram camera to access the Reels camera and create your own Reels.
• Profiles – Reels posted by an account can be viewed on their profile under the Reels tab.

Creating Reels on Instagram

Posting Reels is easy and accessible to all users within the Instagram app. Here are the steps to record and share your first Reels video:

1. Open the Instagram Camera. Swipe right from the main feed view to launch the Instagram stories camera.
2. Select Reels at the bottom. Tap on the Reels icon at the bottom to switch to the Reels camera.
3. Record clips. Press and hold the capture button to record your first clip, up to 60 seconds. Repeat to record multiple clips.
4. Add music. Browse Instagram’s music library to add a song to your Reel.
5. Enhance with effects. Use AR effects, timers, counters, stickers and more to spice it up.
6. Trim and arrange clips. Edit and adjust clips to perfect your Reel before posting.
7. Share. Post to your profile grid or share just to Reels for more exposure.

Check out Instagram’s Reels creation tips and inspiration to take your videos to the next level. Have fun expressing your creativity!

Reels Video Editing Tools

Instagram offers robust editing tools when assemburing your Reels videos. Key capabilities include:

• Trim Clips – Shorten clip length by adjusting start and end points.
• Rearrange Order – Tap and drag clips to customize the sequence.
• Set Timer – Add a countdown timer to transition between clips.
• Adjust Speed – Slow down or speed up clip playback for dramatic effect.
• Align audio and video – Sync up separately recorded audio clips with video.
• Add voiceover – Record a voiceover that plays over your Reel.

Take time to refine your edits, sequence clips logically, and synchronize everything to the beat of your chosen audio for professional results.

Tips for Creating Viral Reels Content

Looking for inspiration to create Reels that gain views, likes and shares? Consider these proven tips:

• Use current trends and challenges – Put your own spin on popular memes
• Show behind-the-scenes – Give viewers exclusive, clever BTS moments from your business, brand or life
• Spotlight your skills – Display your talents in action, from cooking to dancing to makeup skills
• Feature user-generated content – Re-share and react to content from your Instagram followers and audience
• Go live – Post real-time footage from live broadcasts as Reels

Most importantly, let your creativity shine through. The more fun and entertaining your Reel is, the more likely it will get noticed and captivate the Instagram community.

Reels Music Library

Music and audio make Reels videos more vibrant. Instagram provides a vast library of songs and sounds to add to Reels, with new tracks added daily from top artists and labels.

To browse the Reels music catalog:

1. Tap the music note icon when creating a Reel.
2. Search for a song title or artist.
3. Scroll down to browse trending tracks, moods and genres.
4. Preview sounds before adding them.
5. Tap “Use This Song” on the track you want.

Instagram is continually expanding its music library to provide trending hits and viral tracks. Plus there are no copyright concerns, as all songs are licensed for use in Reels.

How Reels Affect Instagram Algorithm

As Instagram prioritizes Reels, creating them can be beneficial for the reach and visibility of an account and its content. Quality Reels may be rewarded by the Instagram algorithm in these ways:

• Increased potential of being featured on the Explore page and in Reels feeds.
• Chance of going viral rapidly through shares.
• Gaining new followers who discover your Reels.
• Existing followers engage more when you post Reels frequently.

However, feed posts still matter. Finding balance between Reels and standard photo/video posts is recommended. Use Reels to showcase your creativity and personality, while also consistently posting quality non-Reels content.

Reels Advice for Businesses & Creators

Reels present an opportunity for businesses, brands and creators to flaunt their storytelling skills and grow their audience. When launching an Instagram Reels strategy, keep these best practices in mind:

• Post at least 1-2 Reels per week, ideally more.
• Use a consistent, recognizable audio track or sound effect in your niche.
• Invest in proper gear to shoot stellar quality video.
• Leverage design elements on brand – colors, logos, packaging.
• Highlight products/services in action and real stories.
• Collaborate with followers, customers and brand ambassadors.
• Consider paid promotion of standout Reels to expand reach.

Make Reels an integral part of your Instagram presence. Distribute on other channels like Facebook and YouTube as well. Crisp, entertaining Reels will boost your brand identity and vulnerable connection with your audience.

Do Instagram Reels Expire?

Unlike Instagram Stories, Reels videos do not disappear after 24 hours. By default, Reels will remain visible indefinitely on your Instagram profile, unless you choose to delete them.

However, after being live for a while, older Reels may become less discoverable on Explore pages and Reels recommendation feeds. So staying active and frequently posting new Reels is encouraged.

To delete old Reels you no longer want public, visit your profile, tap the Reels tab, tap the three dots on a Reel, and choose “Delete”. This will permanently remove it from your profile.

Reels Privacy Settings

You control who gets to see your Instagram Reels videos. Adjustable privacy settings include:

• Public – Anyone can view your Reel.
• Followers Only – Just your followers can watch Reels you share.
• Close Friends – Reels are visible only to close friends you designate.
• Hide From Profile – Share Reels without having it appear on your profile.

Set preferences before posting each Reel. To edit who can see an already shared Reel, visit it on your profile, tap the three dots, hit Privacy Settings, and adjust as desired.

By default, Reels inherit the account’s privacy setting. Change this in Settings > Privacy > Reels to customize default visibility.

Reels Monetization for Creators

There are multiple ways for creators to earn money through Instagram Reels, including:

• Instagram Reels Bonuses – Qualifying bonuses for top performing Reels based on views and engagement.
• Reels Ads – Earn a cut of the revenue from ads displayed on your Reels.
• Branded Content Partnerships – Get hired by brands to produce sponsored Reels for them.
• Reels Shopping – Tag products that followers can purchase right within your Reels.

Monetization expands as Reels gains prominence. Consult Instagram’s Creator account resources for the latest opportunities to earn as a Reels creator.

Do Reels Help Gain Instagram Followers?

Yes, frequently posting fun, engaging Reels can help you attract more Instagram followers a few ways:

• Your Reels get exposed to new potential followers on Explore.
• Popular Reels signal you have an active presence worth following.
• Reels let your personality shine through, intriguing viewers.
• Top Reels can go viral fast, rapidly expanding your reach.

Think of Reels as short previews showcasing the appealing, entertaining content you offer on Instagram. Each one is a chance to gain new loyal, long-term followers.

Reels Stats & Analytics

Instagram provides Reels metrics and analytics to track performance. Helpful data points include:

• Plays – Number of times a Reel was viewed.
• Likes – Total likes gained by the Reel.
• Comments – Quantity of comments received.
• Saves – Times the Reel was saved by viewers.
• Accounts Reached – Total number of unique accounts that watched the Reel.
• Audience Retention – Average time viewers watched the Reel.

Assess what types of Reels, content styles, captions, sounds and effects perform best to guide your future Reels strategy.

Reels Best Practices

Follow these expert best practices when creating Instagram Reels for the best results:

• Hook viewers quickly to watch the entire Reel.
• Use popular songs and audios people recognize.
• Leverage trends, memes, hashtags and challenges.
• Time transitions to the beat for seamless flow.
• Apply fun, on-brand stickers and effects.
• Ensure sound quality is clear and balanced.
• Export Reels in highest resolution possible.
• Use steady camera angles and minimized shake.
• End Reels with a clear call-to-action.

Well-crafted Reels enhance engagement and help creators make a mark on Instagram’s visual stage. Put these tips into practice for captivating Reels!