Move over TikTok, Instagram Reels has just launched in Australia

Adding the ability to create and discover short videos.

Instagram’s challenger to Tiktok, Reels, has launched in Australia today.

Cited as a ‘new Instagram format’, Reels gives Instagram users the ability to create and discover short-form, edited videos with audio and music. Looking to be a big part of the future of entertainment on the platform, the content creation function joins the platform’s previous content offering of Stories, Live, IGTV, photography and video.

Taking inspo from their creators and community (and TikTok), Reels will allow users to access a range of new video features including editing tools, timer, speed controls, AR effects, countdown and a new align tool. You can create a Reels video using multiple clips, and then add original audio or music from their massive library.

“Instagram is where millions of Australians come everyday to express themselves and be entertained,” says Will Easton, Managing Director of Facebook Australia & New Zealand.

“Our community is telling us they want to make and watch short-form, edited videos, which is exactly how we’ve developed the Reels experience. Whether you are a creator with a passion to share or a business with a story to tell, our new Reels format empowers your creativity and helps you reach new audiences on a global stage.”

View this post on Instagram

Introducing Reels ⁣⁣ ⁣ Now you can record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with music, effects and new creative features. Reels lets you express yourself and entertain people, whether you’re showing off a new skill or making a funny video the world deserves to see.⁣⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Share reels with friends on Feed — and if you have a public account, you can also share reels with the larger Instagram community in a new space in Explore.⁣⁣ ⁣ Today Reels is rolling out to more than 50 countries, and we can’t wait to see what you create. Tap the link in our bio for more information.

A post shared by Instagram (@instagram) on Aug 5, 2020 at 8:00am PDT

Upon the release, Instagram also said that its full range of privacy and safety features has been built into Reels, so users can manage who sees the content, filter comments and restrict viewing.

To mark its launch, Instagram provided a step-by-step guide on accessing and using Reels.

1. Select Reels at the bottom of the Instagram camera. You’ll see a variety of creative editing tools on the left side of your screen that you can use to create your reel, including Music, AR Effects, Align Tool, Timer and others. Reels can be recorded in a series of clips (one at a time), all at once, or using video uploads from your gallery.
2. Record the first clip by pressing and holding the capture button. You’ll see a progress indicator at the top of the screen as you record. Stop recording to end each clip.
3. Once your reel is ready, choose the share button, where you can change the cover image, add a caption, hashtags, and tag your friends. You can also save a draft of your reel if you want to pause and come back to it.
4. After you share your reel, it will live on a separate Reels tab on your profile, where people can find the reels you’ve shared. You’ll be able to see likes and comments, and how many times your reel has been played.
5. Whether you have a public or private account, you can share your reel to your Story, close friends, or in a direct message. If you opt to do so, your reel will behave like a regular Story — it will not be shared to Reels in Explore, will not appear on your profile, and will disappear after 24 hours.