No, Instagram has not removed Reels in 2023. Reels continues to be a core part of the Instagram experience. There have been no announcements or indications that Instagram plans to remove or phase out Reels.
What are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels are short, entertaining videos that users can create and share on Instagram. Reels allow users to record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and creative tools.
Reels can be shared publicly to your followers in Feed, or you can share them with friends through Direct Messages. You can also share your reel to the wider Instagram community through the Explore page.
Instagram launched Reels back in August 2020 as their version of the popular short-form video app TikTok. Reels aim to compete with TikTok by giving Instagram users fun tools to create engaging short videos for the platform.
Why Reels are Important for Instagram
Reels have become a key priority and product focus for Instagram as short-form, entertaining video continues to thrive. Here are some of the main reasons why Reels are important for Instagram’s future:
- Engagement – Reels help drive more engagement and sharing on Instagram.
- Competition – Reels allow Instagram to compete with TikTok in the short-form video space.
- Content – Reels provide Instagram with a new form of video content and creative expression.
- Advertising – Reels open up new advertising inventory and opportunities for Instagram.
- Algorithms – Well-performing Reels can help Instagram profiles get better visibility in algorithms.
- Young Users – Reels appeal to younger Gen Z users that crave short videos for entertainment.
Instagram’s Continued Investment in Reels
Because Reels are so important to Instagram’s future success, they have continued heavily investing in Reels features and visibility:
- More Creation Tools – Instagram keeps adding new AR effects, editing tools, templates, and more for creating standout Reels.
- Reels Tab – There is a dedicated Reels tab in Explore to better showcase viral and engaging Reels to users.
- Reels in Feed – Instagram boosted visibility of Reels in Feed so you see them more frequently when scrolling.
- Crossposting – New options make it easy to share Reels video to Facebook and other platforms.
- Instagram Shop – Sellers can tag products in their Reels for more ecommerce opportunities.
- Ads in Reels – Instagram now places ads directly within its Reels, opening up a revenue stream.
Given how much Instagram has invested in Reels already, it’s highly unlikely they would remove Reels anytime soon. The short-form video feature remains core to Instagram’s product roadmap.
Why Some Users Thought Reels Were Being Removed
In 2022 and early 2023, some Instagram users speculated that Instagram was removing Reels or phasing them out. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Less Visibility – Some users saw fewer Reels in their feeds in early 2023 and thought they were disappearing.
- Testing – Instagram did tests in 2022 showing fewer Reels in Feed to some users.
- Algorithm Changes – Instagram tweaked their algorithms, leading to less reach for some accounts’ Reels.
- Competition with Video – Instagram began privileging longer-form video again, leading to less focus on Reels.
- Mistaken Announcements – Some inaccurate social media rumors circulated that Reels were removed.
While Reels visibility decreased for some audiences due to algorithm changes, Instagram never removed Reels. They remain central to the app experience, just with some promotion dialed back in Feed after initial heavy promotion.
Will Instagram Remove Reels in the Future?
Based on all indications, it is highly unlikely that Instagram would remove Reels completely in the foreseeable future. There are no credible reports of Reels being removed.
However, Instagram may deemphasize Reels slightly if they feel growth is stagnating or engagement decreasing. But they are still clearly invested in Reels being a key part of the content mix.
Here are two scenarios where Instagram may phase out Reels eventually:
- If short-form video engagement dropped precipitously across platforms, hurting metrics.
- If TikTok declined substantially in popularity, removing competitive pressures.
But the short-form video trend seems here to stay. And TikTok is still growing fast. So Instagram has all the incentive needed to keep Reels as a permanent feature driving their growth and engagement.
Tips for Using Reels Effectively
Since Reels will remain an integral part of Instagram, creators and brands should make them part of their content strategy. Here are tips for using Reels effectively:
- Post Reels consistently – aim for at least 1 high-quality Reel per week minimum.
- Experiment with trends and effects – this can help your Reels get discovered in Explore.
- Leverage music and audio – songs and sounds draw viewers in.
- Consider vertical video – this takes up more screen real estate on phones.
- Check analytics – see which Reels are resonating to guide your strategy.
- Crosspost to Facebook – tap into that audience for more reach.
- Make Reels part of ads – use as a format for both organic and paid content.
While some factors like feed algorithm changes are out of your hands, focusing on compelling content and smart distribution tactics can ensure Reels success.
Why Brands Should Continue Investing in Reels
For brands and businesses, Reels should remain a key part of your Instagram marketing:
- Engagement – Reels can drive comments, likes, and shares when executed well.
- Creativity – The playful format lets brands showcase products uniquely.
- Trending – Viral audio and meme trends are great for timely brand content.
- Awareness – Reels in Explore can reach new audiences organically.
- Behind-the-Scenes – Provide fun BTS looks at products, services, and culture.
- Employees – Let staff show their personality through company Reels.
The short length, playful features, and engagement potential make Reels ideal branded content on Instagram. Maintaining a presence on Reels is essential for brands in 2023 and beyond.
The Future of Reels on Instagram
While Instagram will likely continue iterating on Reels based on usage and competition, the short-form video product seems firmly entrenched as a key part of the app experience for the foreseeable future.
We can expect Instagram to keep refining Reels with more creation tools, filters, AR effects, and more. And they will find new ways to integrate Reels into more parts of Instagram – feed, stories, ads, IGTV, and more.
Instagram will also make efforts to better attune their algorithms to serve users content from accounts they enjoy watching in Reels. This will provide creators incentive to keep producing entertaining Reels tailored to their audience.
For any creators, brands, and users looking to grow and engage their audience on Instagram – investing time into Reels content looks to be a smart strategy based on Instagram’s continued commitment to the product.