TikTok<\/a> became successful with short clips accompanied by music and numerous features and relied exclusively on full-screen content, Instagram is now following suit with entertaining videos. Previously, the app was known primarily for photos. For a few weeks now, the homepage of some users of the platform has been shining in new splendor with seamless transitions. This shine consists of any content from Reels to Feed posts now being played out as full screen content. What is the significance of full screen content for Instagram and the future of reels?<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy are there only reels on Instagram now?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Before we get into the question of why Instagram – just like TikTok – feels like it only relies on the Short Videos, it makes sense to clarify a few questions in advance as background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When did Instagram start featuring reels?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Reels were introduced by Instagram in mid-2020. Since then, they are becoming more and more successful on social media every month and generate great reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where are the reels on Instagram?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Users can find the reels on Instagram primarily in the so-called Reels tab. In addition, the currently posted videos of people you follow appear on the home page. Furthermore, the content of each user is displayed on his or her own social media profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nInstagram Reels are uploaded and played out in the classic 9:16 format of Short Video Content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How long can Instagram reels be?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n You can create Instagram Reels in lengths of 15, 30, 60 and, if you want longer videos, even 90 seconds. They can also be accompanied by sounds, features and music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow long do reels stay on Instagram?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Just like feed posts in the form of images, Instagram reels remain permanently on the user’s profile. Depending on how users create the reels, they either remain in the reels feed or are also displayed in the main feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why is video content so successful?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Of course, it just seems to users that Instagram is all about the “new” feature of reels and everyone in the community is just creating video clips. Besides video content, there is still a strong focus on posting Instagram Stories and photos in the feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that the new feature of the Full Screen Start Page makes a clear statement: In the new home page format, the navigation bar is still located at the bottom of the view. Also, the caption and the like and comment button are now displayed at the bottom. With the Instagram logo and buttons floating at the top, the content created now takes up the entire home page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe creation of video content (even more specifically: short video content) is therefore more relevant than ever before. This was already seen a few years ago, when the story “replaced” the feed. But why is that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why should I post reels?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n There’s no denying that Instagram has taken a very specific direction. Content in the form of videos is becoming, or already is, the core element of the app and is published many times. This is supported by ever new features and tools. Even though Marc Zuckerberg states that images still play a major role, the platform is increasingly showing what is important if you want to generate strong reach on social networks and gain new subscribers. By playing out reels in the story, the content is additionally played out to one’s own followers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instagram videos are automatically uploaded as reels, more and more creators are primarily focusing on the short clips and thus gaining more and more followers, and the short videos are quite clearly strengthened by the targeted placement in the app. <\/p>\n\n\n\n