The Philippines is one of the fastest growing countries for social media usage, especially for platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Recently, Instagram launched the Reels feature globally, allowing users to create and share short videos set to music or other audio. This has led many in the Philippines to wonder – is the country eligible to use Instagram Reels?
The short answer is yes, the Philippines is eligible for Instagram Reels. When Reels was first launched in August 2020, it was only available in select countries like Brazil, France, Germany, and India. However, in July 2022, Instagram rolled out Reels globally, giving access to users worldwide as long as the app is up to date. This includes the Philippines.
So any Instagram user in the Philippines can now create, share, and engage with Reels as part of the app experience. All that is needed is the latest version of Instagram installed on your mobile device.
Growth of Social Media in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the most social media-obsessed countries in the world. According to the most recent Digital 2022 report from Hootsuite and We Are Social:
– There are 94 million social media users in the Philippines as of January 2022. This represents over 80% of the total population.
– Filipinos spend an average of 4 hours and 15 minutes per day using social media. This is the 2nd highest in the world.
– 99% of social media users in the Philippines access via mobile devices. Only 1% use desktop exclusively.
The high mobile usage makes the Philippines a strong market for social apps like Instagram. And with Reels now available globally, it provides a new way for Filipinos to express themselves and be entertained right within Instagram.
Some key stats on Instagram in the Philippines specifically:
– There are 37 million Instagram users as of January 2022. This makes Instagram the 2nd most used social platform after Facebook.
– Instagram saw fast growth of 23% between 2020-2022 in the Philippines.
– 60% of Instagram users in the Philippines log in daily.
– The top 3 activities on Instagram in the Philippines are interacting with posts, stories, and direct messaging.
With such a highly engaged Instagram audience, Reels has strong potential for both creators and brands looking to reach Filipino users. The short video format aligns perfectly with how Filipinos mainly access social media via mobile.
How Filipinos Are Using Reels
In the few months that Reels has been available to Filipinos, it has already seen significant adoption and creativity. Here are some ways Filipinos are using Reels:
– Making dance or lip-sync videos – Filipinos love to perform and Reels is an easy way to showcase talent. Users pick a popular song or trending audio and make fun 15-30 second videos showing off their choreography or lip sync skills.
– Memes & comedy – Filipinos have a great sense of humor and Reels allows them to take memes, jokes, and funny commentary and add their own spin. Quick comic timing and local pop culture references make for engaging Reels.
– Hashtag challenges – Instagram launches various hashtags and trends specifically for Reels, like #comedyreels and #reelitfeelit. Filipino users create Reels using these hashtags so they connect with the larger global community.
– Product features & reviews – Many small businesses and entrepreneurs are using Reels to showcase their products and services in an eye-catching way. Creative editing and visuals help brands make an impact.
– Advocacy & campaigns – Nonprofits, social enterprises, and activists leverage Reels to promote causes from environmental issues to social justice. The format allows important messages to spread quickly.
– Tourism & travel content – Local tourism boards and travel bloggers create Reels highlighting top destinations in the Philippines to inspire domestic trips. The short video format shows off locations in a vivid way.
As Reels adoption grows, Filipinos are finding more and more ways to apply the tool – whether for personal fun and connection, businesses and branding, or advancing social causes. The possibilities with short form video are endless.
Top Reels Creators in the Philippines
In just a few months, some Filipino creators have already built huge followings specifically with their Reels content. They are taking advantage of the TikTok-like features of Reels to entertain and engage massive audiences.
Here are some of the top Reels creators from the Philippines to follow:
Alex Gonzaga (@cathygonzaga) – Actress and TV personality with 7.3 million Instagram followers. Mixes comedy, dancing, singing, and parody in her highly popular Reels.
Donnalyn Bartolome (@donnalynbartolome) – Social media and YouTube star with over 25 million followers across platforms. Reels showcase her signature facial expressions, acting, and lip syncs.
Chinkee Tan (@chinkeetan) – Prominent personal finance guru who makes educational and entertaining money tips for Reels.
Jelai Andres (@jelaiandres) – Lifestyle and beauty influencer with 5.5 million Instagram followers. Creates trendy Reels featuring fashion, beauty hacks, and day in the life content.
Mimiyuuuh (@mimiyuuuh) – Comedic persona who rose to fame on YouTube. His Reels feature over-the-top facial expressions and parody videos.
Sam Mangubat (@sammangubat) – Young singer with a powerhouse voice covering hit songs on Reels to showcase her vocal talents.
Joj Sarmenta (@juansartementa) – Actor and nephew of comedian Vice Ganda. Reels show off his comic timing and skills impersonating celebrities.
Kyline Alcantara (@kylinealcantara) – Teen actress sharing Reels of trendy dances, behind-the-scenes clips, and moments with friends.
These are just a few standouts from the manyFilipino creators finding an audience through Reels. Their growth demonstrates the strong opportunity on Instagram for those who can create fun, engaging short video content.
Tips for Success with Reels in the Philippines
For those in the Philippines looking to build their presence and get more views on Reels, here are some tips:
– Use music and sounds popular with Filipinos – Lean into local viral hits or tracks from Pinoy celebrities to connect. You can also use sounds originally created by other users.
– Jump on trends and hashtag challenges – Track what is trending locally and globally on Reels to make your content relatable.
– Show your personality – Filipinos respond well to creators who showcase their real, fun-loving personalities vs overly curated content.
– Film vertical video – Reels are made for mobile, so hold your phone vertically when filming. Use apps like Premiere Rush to edit clips.
– Engage with your audience – Reply to comments and interact with viewers to build an authentic community.
– Be consistent – Post at least 1-2 Reels per week to stay top of mind on the Explore page. Short bursts of daily content also works.
– Analyze your data – Check Reels Insights to see what content resonates best with your audience and do more of that.
– Cross-promote on other social platforms like Facebook and TikTok to drive viewers to your Reels.
By tapping into local culture and trends, the Reels format offers a major opportunity for Filipino creators and brands to engage a highly active Instagram audience.
The Future of Reels in the Philippines
While Reels is still fairly new in the Philippines, it has strong potential for continued growth and creativity. Some predictions for the future:
– More brands and businesses will join Reels for promotions and storytelling. Short video ads on Reels offer a way to grab consumer attention.
– Influencers and creators will continue growing their personal brands on Reels and monetizing through sponsorships and collabs.
– User-generated content and memes will thrive as Filipinos make entertaining Reels using popular songs, sounds, and trends.
– Tourism boards, travel brands, and destinations will share immersive Reels to inspire domestic travel across the Philippines.
– Filipino musicians and singers will create original compositions and covers designed for Reels to showcase music.
– Hashtag challenges and campaigns for good causes will engage the community around social issues and activism.
– Instagram will develop more Reels-specific features like remixing or tools for collaboration.
– Celebrities like actors, athletes, and artists will be active on Reels allowing fans a fun, behind-the-scenes look at their lives.
– Publishers and media companies will use Reels to share news and information in snackable video format.
As the market matures, Reels has the opportunity to become a rising source of entertainment, connection, and engagement within Filipino culture. The highly social, mobile-first population is primed to embrace short form video creatively. Both established and aspiring creators are now empowered to find their audience on Reels in the Philippines.
Conclusion
Reels has quickly proven itself to be a hit with Filipino users thanks to its fun features and alignment with how locals engage on social media. The short video format allows self-expression, humor, and access to global trends localized in a Philippine context. Early adopters and creators have shown the high potential for Reels to continue gaining traction. For individuals, brands, businesses, and organizations looking to reach the youthful, highly engaged social audience in the Philippines, leveraging Reels will be key. The ability to tap into viral sounds, memes, challenges, and pop culture moments allows anyone to create entertaining 15 to 30 second videos that resonate locally and beyond. Reels provides a way for Filipino culture and creativity to shine for a global Instagram audience. The future is bright for those who harness the power of this engaging new format.